Periodontal flap surgery is a stage in gum therapy that requires the removal of excess soft tissue to stimulate healthy growth of gums.
Request AppointmentPeriodontal (gum) flap surgery removes extra soft tissue and shapes the bone underneath so the area can heal. After that, the gums are sutured back into place to fit around the tooth.
If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend periodontal flap surgery. It is commonly used to repair periodontal pockets, which are a result of inflammation and infection. This may cause the tissue surrounding your teeth to become unattached from the tooth, requiring repair.
To begin, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Your dentist will then use a scalpel to separate the gums from the teeth and then lift or fold them back in the form of a flap.
Now that they have direct access to the roots and bone supporting the teeth, your dentist will remove any inflamed tissue followed by scaling and root planing to clean plaque and tartar.
Once these procedures are completed, your dentist will place the gums back against the teeth and anchor them in place using stitches. Your dentist may also cover the surgical site with an intraoral bandage known as a periodontal pack or dressing.
After gum flap surgery, it is normal to feel some discomfort or pain and experience some minor bleeding during the first 48 hours after the procedure. Generally, these symptoms subside after a couple of days, and can be managed with over-the-counter pain killers.
If bleeding continues or if your symptoms deteriorate after the first three days, this could be a sign of an infection and you should contact your dentist right away.
While the surgical site is healing, it is imperative to follow your dentist's instructions for care and keep your mouth as clean as possible. Your dentist will also ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment in 7 to 10 days so they can reexamine the area and be sure that it is healing well.
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