Our periodontists may recommend osseous surgery, also known as gum surgery, to remove bacteria and plaque from your periodontal pockets and begin restoring your oral health. We invite you to contact Periodontics of the Desert at 760-674-4410 to learn more about gum surgery in Palm Desert, California, and schedule your consultation with Dr. Peter Warshawsky and Dr. Robert Lacrampe.
This photograph shows the condition present following years of regular hygiene appointments. The gums have remained swollen due to bacteria trapped deep under the gum line. The periodontal pockets near the teeth are 6mm deep – too deep for dental instruments to reach during hygiene appointments. Because the bacteria remains trapped beneath the gum line, periodontal disease remains present, increasing the risk for future tooth loss.
This photograph shows the improved condition following corrective pocket reduction treatment. Gum tissue is firm and healthy due to the elimination of bacteria, including the elimination of the periodontal pockets. The prognosis for life-long tooth retention has been greatly improved.
Osseous surgery is a procedure we may recommend to treat periodontal disease. As gum disease progresses, our team strives to reduce the depth of the pockets that form between the teeth and the gums. If deep cleanings and other periodontal treatments have not successfully reduced the pocket depth, our doctors may recommend osseous surgery. This procedure is designed to smooth and reshape bone that has been damaged by periodontal disease, as well as create a shallow pocket to make it more difficult for bacteria to survive.
During the osseous surgery procedure, we will numb the area and lift the gum tissue away from the teeth and underlying bone. We then thoroughly clean the root surface and smooth the root and the bone surrounding the root. The surface of the bone may have become uneven due to destruction caused by periodontitis, and smoothing and reshaping the bone creates a better surface for the repair and development of healthy tissue. After cleaning the tooth roots and reshaping the bone, our doctors will trim the gum tissue to match the new underlying structure and stitch it in place. In some cases, we may also suggest a bone graft or guided tissue regeneration membrane to supplement the tissue regeneration process.
We invite you to contact our office today to learn more about osseous surgery and how we can help you improve your oral health.