Flap Surgery :
Flap surgery can be described as the loosening of the gum from
bone to expose and clean underlying tooth structures. In advanced
periodontal disease when scaling and root planing have been
unsuccessful in eliminating the entire pocket of decay or when
there has been bone loss that needs to be surgically corrected
then a dentist may perform periodontal flap surgery.
In flap surgery under local anesthesia small incisions are made in
the gum so that it can be lifted back to expose the tooth and
bone. The entire area is carefully cleaned and all tarter and
infected granulation tissue are removed and the bone is examined.
Because periodontal disease causes bone loss often the bone will
need to be re-contoured in order for the gum to heal properly.
When the procedure is done the gums are sutured in to place on top of
the bone. The entire flap procedure typically requires from 1 to 3
hours to perform with only two quadrants of the mouth being addressed
in a single visit. The sutures will remain in place for approximately
one week and a patient will likely be given a prescription for pain
medication and antibiotics.
It is very important for you to keep your mouth as clean as possible
while the surgical site is healing. This means you should brush and
floss the rest of your mouth normally. If the surgical site is not
covered by a periodontal pack (A type of dental ‘band–aid’) you can
use a toothbrush to gently remove plaque from the teeth. Mouth rinses
containing chlorhexidine are commonly prescribed following periodontal
surgery. Although these rinses do not remove plaque from the teeth
they kill the bacteria and help your mouth heal. Post-surgical
swelling is also possible and this can be minimized by applying an ice
pack to the outside of your face in the treated area.
Initially after surgery there may be some bleeding swelling and risk
of infection.
Frenectomy :
Frenum is the fold of tissue or muscle connecting the tongue, lips or
cheek to the jawbone. Frenectomy is removal of one of these folds of
tissue which is attached too high on the gums causing either gum
recession or spaces between teeth.
Gum Contouring :
Gum contouring is a surgical procedure wherein the gums are shaped by
surgical incisions, under local anaesthesia to a more esthetically
balanced appearance. This is a simple cosmetic gum lift. The tissues
heal very quickly and with very little discomfort after the surgery.