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Osseous Surgery

Taking care of your mouth is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing the development of serious oral health issues, including gum disease. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day, in conjunction with routine cleanings and exams every six months, help to keep your whole mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. Skipping out on any part of your oral hygiene routine, even only every once in a while, can significantly increase your risk for the development of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious issue that continues to get worse the longer it goes untreated. If gum disease has led to deep pockets and damage to your jawbone, West End Dental can help with osseous/flap surgery.

How Periodontal Pockets Form

Gum disease is the result of a bacterial infection. Plaque and bacteria that build up on the surfaces of your teeth, which causes the gums to become irritated. This irritation triggers an inflammatory response from your immune system. When this happens, your gums become inflamed or swollen. Red, swollen gums are the first signs that gum disease is present. However, these symptoms often go overlooked. Without treatment, gum disease continues to worsen. Swollen gum tissue begins to pull away from the surfaces of your teeth, which leads to the formation of periodontal pockets. These pockets then begin to collect bacteria.

Gum Disease and Your Bone

Gum disease affects more than just your gum tissue. When bacteria accumulate in periodontal pockets, they continue to attack the tissue from the inside. This causes the pockets to grow deeper. Eventually, the bacteria reach your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone. The bacteria then begin attacking these structures. The jawbone begins to weaken grows uneven. When this happens, hiding places for bacteria begin to form, which can then make cleaning with scaling and root planing difficult.

What is Osseous/Flap Therapy?

Osseous/flap therapy is often performed when the periodontal pockets are too deep to effectively clean with scaling and root planing. The treatment is done to help slow and stop the progression of gum disease and allow your mouth to heal. Treatment is done under local anesthetic, which helps to ensure that you do not feel any pain. Small incisions are made in the gums to expose the roots of the teeth and the surrounding bone. Osseous therapy is a treatment that is performed to smooth the surfaces of your bone, eliminating hiding places for bacteria. The teeth are then thoroughly cleaned of all buildup, and the gums are sutured closed snugly against the surfaces of your teeth. After treatment, your gums can begin reattaching to the bone, and the necks of your teeth and your oral health is greatly improved.

The Benefits of Osseous/Flap Therapy

There are numerous benefits associated with osseous/flap therapy. These benefits include:

•	Eliminating hiding places for oral bacteria by smoothing affected bone.
•	Enabling the gums to begin reattaching to the bone and the teeth.
•	Improving your oral health.
•	Maintaining your oral health becomes easier.
•	Preventing tooth loss.
•	Improving the quality of your smile.

With osseous/flap therapy, we can help to stop the progression of gum disease, allowing your mouth to heal. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call West End Dental today at (503) 446-2957.

WE TREAT OUR PATIENTS WITH RESPECT

We believe in educating patients about their treatment options and listening to their questions and concerns.

WE BELIEVE IN HEALTHY TEETH FIRST

We focus on prevention so that you keep your smile healthy. We provide excellent comfortable care for all procedures.

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Schedule your visit today for cleaning, treatment, or consultation.