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After Flap Surgery
Instructions

If you have periodontal disease, your Periodontist may suggest any of the treatments listed below.

Scaling and root planing are something like a cleaning. But we reach further beneath the gumline to clear away toxins causing inflammation. Under local anesthetic, we remove plaque and calculus deposits, then smooth the root surface of each tooth to encourage re-attachment of the gum tissue. These simple procedures go a long way to eliminate the source of gum problems.  Deeper pockets may require additional surgical care to thoroughly clean away infected tissue and repair the damaged jawbone.

	Scaling - cleans the teeth to remove deposits above and below the gumline.
	Root Planing - smoothes rough root surfaces so the gum can heal. Local anesthesia may be used

Your visit will take from one to three hours depending on your special needs.  After that, it's your turn.  We'll take time with you to explain how to maintain tissue health at home.  Home Care -- more than anything else -- is the key to successful periodontal therapy.

Atridox is a conservative, non-surgical way to treat pockets of infection caused by periodontal disease.  It is used either in conjunction with scaling and root planing, or may be used if scaling does not effectively eliminate the bacteria. Atridox is a commonly used antibiotic, doxyclycline, in high concentration, which is placed directly into the pockets as a gel.  It is slowly released from the gel over a period of 7 to 14 days, and effectively eliminates the bacteria deep in the pockets, and even within the gum tissue itself.  Eventually, bacteria will return, but it may eliminate deep pockets on the front teeth.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums (6 millimeters or greater) are present, it is difficult for the dentist to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar.  If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed. 

With surgery, the dentist can access hard to reach areas that require the removal of tartar and plaque.  The tooth root is cleaned and smoothed.  Sometimes the bone around the tooth also is smoothed to help remove these pockets.  The gums then are sutured back into place or into a new position that will be easier to keep clean at home.

< Tartar forms in a deep pocket where scaling and planning can't reach. < During surgery, the gum is lifted to allow removal of tartar and diseased tissue. Illustration #1           Illustration #2          < New gumline may be lowered, which reduces the pocket and makes cleaning easier. < New gumline may be at or near the original gumline to expose less of the tooth. Illustration #3 Illustration #4

Gingivectomy

This procedure removes an overgrowth of gum tissue.  This reduces the space where bacteria can collect.  It should then be easier for you to keep teeth and gums clean.  You will also have a less "gummy" smile.