Does Osseous Surgery Work?
While there are several different treatment option to address gum disease, osseous surgery is one of the most effective, though it is often performed as a last resort after other, less invasive options have been ruled out. To determine if gum disease is present, your periodontist will perform a thorough evaluation of your gums and teeth. This will include measuring the pockets of your gums. Healthy gums should have a pocket depth of around 2-3 mm. If the depth of your pockets are greater than 3mm, this can indicate that gum disease has begun to wear away at your pockets. Osseous surgery (also known as pocket reduction surgery) reverses this issue by folding your gums back in order to access and remove the bacteria, then smoothing and/or repairing any damaged or oddly shaped bone.
To ensure that the osseous surgical procedure is successful, it is essential to follow aftercare instructions, which we will discuss before and following your procedure and will include things such as:
- Do not smoke or use a straw until the healing process is complete, which typically takes between seven to ten days
- If given antibiotics, take as prescribed until the prescription runs out
- Pain can be managed with over the counter or prescription pain medication
- Limiting physical activity for two or three days
- Stick to softer foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or soups
- Manage swelling with ice packs
How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Gum Disease
While osseous surgery is highly effective in correcting gum disease, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits and have a healthy lifestyle to prevent gum disease from reoccurring. Steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing gum disease in the future include:
- Brushing and flossing twice daily
- Eat a healthy balanced diet, limiting foods and beverages high in sugars and starches
- Schedule regular examinations at least every six months
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Stop smoking (if applicable)
It is also important to schedule regular dental cleanings and examinations at least every six months so your periodontist can continue to monitor your oral health and ensure that gum disease does not reoccur.
Osseous Surgery Treatment Alternatives
Though osseous surgery is an effective method for correcting gum disease, there are other, less invasive treatment options that may also be effective. If caught in the early stages, antibiotic treatment may be sufficient in correcting gum disease. A scale and root planing procedure may also be performed if gum disease has progressed in severity. This minimally invasive procedure involves using special dental instruments to scrape the bacteria from beneath the gums than planing or smoothing the roots to inhibit the growth of bacteria and give the gums time to heal. If gum disease has progressed in severity, a soft tissue graft may be necessary to correct recessed gums and a bone graft may be necessary to correct any jawbone deterioration.
To learn more about the effectiveness of osseous surgery or discuss alternative treatment options, schedule a consultation with your periodontist today. They can answer any questions you may have and provide their professional opinion as to which treatment option is best suited for your needs.