Dental health is strongly linked to thehealth of our bodies overall.

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What Is Osseous Surgery?

Osseous surgery is part of an effective treatment plan againstperiodontal disease.

Women in dental chair speaking with dentist

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Cutting out the infected tissue keeps the rest of your mouth and body healthy.

Osseous surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia by a board-certified periodontist as part of an outpatient procedure.

The benefit of osseous surgery is that it will be easier to keep your mouth clean by brushing afterward.

These preventative procedures halt the progression of advancedgum disease.

Contraindications

Treating advanced gum disease is essential to prevent more dangerous issues from arising.

Always let your healthcare provider know about yourfull medical historyto ensure your safety.

According to the American Dental Association, scaling removes plaque and tartar from underneath the gums.

Root planing helps the tooth and gum reattach by smoothing the root.

The sooner you’re able to treat the infected area, the less tissue will need to be removed.

Location

A specialist, called a periodontist, will do your osseous surgery.

You’ll need to go to their office for the operation.

What to Wear

Wear comfortable clothes for surgery that you don’t mind getting stained.

Make your healthcare provider aware of all your medications to avoid potential complications during surgery.

Bring any necessary paperwork, dental insurance information, and personal identification.

Before the Surgery

You’ll have a thorough dental cleaning before osseous surgery is performed.

Arrive at your appointment on time to fill out any last-minute paperwork.

If the bone is severely infected, your healthcare provider may perform a bone graft.

Your practitioner will bandage the area to keep it covered as it begins to heal.

You should feel fully healed in about two to four weeks.

Healing

Some swelling and bleeding are normal following oral surgery.

You’ll be provided with aftercare instructions including pain medication to ease discomfort andmouth rinsesto keep the area clean.

You may also be prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.

Using an icepack will help control swelling and numb the area.

This can reduce swelling and help you feel better faster.

When bleeding starts, bite down a piece of gauze to apply pressure and stop the bleeding.

Stock up on soft foods to enjoy after your surgery.

You’ll need to avoid hard or sticky foods and carbonated beverages.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and don’t use a straw until your mouth has fully healed.

Optimal nutrition for dental health includes foods that are high in minerals, like calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin C from fruits and vegetables will help keep your gums in good shape.

Frequent snacking, especially on sugary and sticky foods, attracts bacteria and promotes cavities.

Dentaldiseases.org.Pocket depth reduction - periodontal (gum flap) surgery.

Periodontal Disease Treatment.What is periodontal osseous surgery?

American Dental Association Mouth Healthy.Scaling and root planing.

Periodontal Medicine, Dental Surgical Specialists LLC.Bone grafting opens the door for dental implants.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Eat right for a healthy mouth and teeth.