Flap Procedure for Gum Disease
Surgery Overview
You may need surgery for severe gum disease (periodontitis, Opens dialog) if it cannot be cured with antibiotics, Opens dialog or root planing and scaling. A flap procedure cleans the roots, Opens dialog of a tooth and repairs bone damage caused by gum disease, Opens dialog. A gum specialist (periodontist) or an oral surgeon often performs the procedure.
Before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic, Opens dialog to numb the area where the doctor will work on your gums.
The doctor will pull back a section of your gums to clean the roots of your teeth and repair damaged bone, if needed. The gum flap will be sewn back into place and covered with gauze to stop the bleeding.
Bone may be:
- Smoothed and reshaped so that plaque, Opens dialog has fewer places to grow.
- Repaired (grafted, Opens dialog) with bone from another part of the body or with man-made materials. The doctor may place a lining on the bone graft to help the bone grow back. The lining may need to be removed later.
Typically it takes only a few days to recover from a flap procedure. Be sure to follow the home care instructions that your dentist or oral surgeon gives you. If you have questions about your instructions, call the dentist or surgeon. The following are general suggestions to help speed recovery:
- Take painkillers as prescribed.
- After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood.
- Relax after surgery. Strenuous physical activity may increase bleeding.
- Eat soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, or light soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as the area heals.
- Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
- Continue to carefully brush your teeth and tongue.
- Apply an ice or cold pack to the outside of your mouth to help relieve pain and swelling.
- Do not use sucking motions, such as when using a straw to drink.
- Do not smoke.
A few days after the procedure, your dentist will remove the stitches.
The flap procedure is necessary when severe gum disease (periodontitis) has damaged the bones that support your teeth.
If you maintain good dental care after the surgery, the flap procedure should allow you to clean your teeth and gums better. Your gums should become pink and healthy again.
The roots of your teeth may become more sensitive.
The contour or shape of your gums may change.
Gum surgery can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. You may need to take antibiotics before and after surgery if you have a condition that puts you at high risk for a severe infection or if infections are particularly dangerous for you. You may need to take antibiotics if you:
- Have certain heart problems that make it dangerous for you to get a heart infection called endocarditis, Opens dialog.
- Have an impaired immune system, Opens dialog.
- Had recent major surgeries or have man-made body parts, such as an artificial heart valve.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
