Osseous Surgery

When periodontal pockets deepen between teeth and gums, it is difficult or impossible to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, osseous surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health in order to save the teeth.

What is Osseous Surgery?

Periodontal disease destroys the supporting tissue and bone, forming "pockets" around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth have to be removed to stop the infection.

Osseous surgery is a type of oral surgery that involves reshaping of the jawbone under the gum and reducing the pocket. Most of the damage associated with periodontal disease occurs in the underlying bone - osseous means bone. Bone is frequently destroyed by the infection associated with gum disease. Irregularities in the bone caused by the disease will prevent the gum from laying down flat leading to pocket formation.

During osseous surgery, the gum tissue is folded back and disease-causing bacteria is removed in areas deep below the gum line. Gum tissue is also removed to reduce the depth of the pocket. Reshaping the bone with osseous surgery will allow the gum to lay down flat in the areas between the teeth. This allows the gum tissue to stay healthy and reduce pocket depth.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to help you maintain a healthy smile. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be sufficient to prevent disease recurrence. Reduced pockets and a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth and decrease the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.