FAQ

Periodontal flap surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat advanced gum disease (periodontitis) by accessing the roots of the teeth to remove infection and promote gum tissue healing. The usual complaint of patients is bleeding gums.

It is necessary when non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing are not effective in controlling gum disease or bleeding from gums is not reduced and when pockets around the teeth become too deep to clean with regular dental hygiene.

Local anesthesia is used during the procedure to ensure that you do not feel pain during the surgery. Some discomfort and swelling may occur afterward, but it is manageable with pain medications. Most of the patients are comfortable in 2 to 3 days.

The duration of the surgery can vary depending on the number of teeth involved andthe severity of the disease. It typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours.

Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, such as infection, bleeding, and prolonged discomfort. Your periodontist will discuss these with you before the surgery. If patients follow the post instructions properly, the complications are minimal.

Recovery time varies but usually takes 3 to 5 days to a few weeks. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.

You may need to take a day or two off work to recover{ mainly because of swelling}, depending on your comfort level. In our experience, one day of rest seems to be sufficient for the majority of patients.

A bone graft in periodontal surgery involves the transplantation or placement of bone material to restore or augment the bone structure around the teeth affected by periodontal disease.

A bone graft may be necessary to replace or regenerate bone that has been lost due to periodontal disease, trauma, or other factors. It provides support for teeth and helps prevent tooth loss.

Common bone graft materials include autografts (your own bone), allografts (donor bone), xenografts (animal bone), and synthetic materials like hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate.

Most bone graft procedures are performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the surgery. However, some discomfort and swelling may occur during the healing process.

The healing time varies depending on the size and complexity of the graft, but it can take several months for the graft to fully integrate with your natural bone.

While bone grafts are generally safe, there are potential risks such as infection, graft rejection, or graft failure. Your periodontist will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.

Recovery typically involves mild discomfort, swelling, and dietary restrictions for a few days to weeks. Your periodontist will provide post-operative care instructions.

Not everyone is a candidate for bone grafting. Your periodontist will evaluate your specific case and medical history to determine if it's a suitable treatment option for you.