Understanding Osseous Surgery
Table of Contents
- What is Osseous Surgery?
- What is Involved in the Procedure?
- What is Recovery Like After Osseous Surgery?
- Additional Information and Statistics
What is Osseous Surgery?
Osseous surgery, commonly performed by periodontists, is utilized to treat periodontitis when other methods, such as scaling and root planing, prove ineffective, especially when the periodontal pockets exceed 5 millimeters. It addresses bone loss triggered by inflammation usually stemming from plaque and calculus (tartar). This surgery serves as an essential intervention when the periodontal pockets are beyond the reach of regular cleaning methods employed by a dentist or hygienist.
What is Involved in the Procedure?
The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the area. The gum tissue is then reflected to expose the calculus on the teeth. After removing all traces of calculus, plaque, and bacteria, the site is flushed with saline and antimicrobial rinses for thorough decontamination. If bone loss has caused craters or irregularities, the bone is modified to enhance the architecture around the teeth. Bone grafting may also be undertaken to replenish bone around defects, a process termed as guided bone regeneration.
What is Recovery Like After Osseous Surgery?
Post-operative experience from osseous surgery is akin to recovery from a tooth extraction. Mild soreness can persist for a few days, but it's typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Sutures, which will need removal at a subsequent visit, are often used. Post-operative care may include gentle brushing around the surgical site, a temporary halt on flossing, diet modifications for some days, eschewing alcohol-based mouthwash, and adherence to prescribed antibiotics.
Other Popular Articles
Additional Information and Statistics
Known alternatively as pocket reduction surgery, osseous surgery stands as a pivotal intervention against moderate to severe periodontitis – a gum ailment that undermines the bone and tissues upholding the teeth. A periodontist, a dentist specialized in gum disease treatment, conducts this surgery aiming to eliminate the bacteria responsible for periodontitis and to reshape the gums and bone for optimal healing.
Post surgery, sutures hold the gum tissue in place. It's normal for patients to experience transient pain and swelling, but these symptoms usually recede within days. Osseous surgery's track record for treating periodontitis is solid. Research confirms its efficacy in preserving teeth and forestalling tooth loss. Factors such as the periodontitis severity, patient's general health, and adherence to post-surgical guidelines shape the surgery's success rate.
Some pertinent statistics include:
- Approximately 47% of American adults grapple with periodontitis, as per the American Academy of Periodontology.
- Annually, around 1 million osseous surgeries take place in the U.S.
- Boasting a high success rate, over 90% of patients retain their teeth for a minimum of 5 years post-surgery.
- Though the cost of osseous surgery fluctuates based on various factors, dental insurance often covers it.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.