What is Osseous surgery?

Osseous surgery is needed when your general dental practitioner or Dr. McClenahan determine that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment. Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. When the fit is not snug, “pockets” can occur.

What can happen when pockets form?

When pockets form because of loose teeth and unhealthy gums, over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted.

Can we “see” pockets forming?

On your first visit, we measure the depth of the pockets. If necessary we will recommend a pocket reduction procedure because you have pockets that are too deep to clean with daily at-home oral hygiene and a professional care routine.

How do we reduce the pocket size?

During this procedure, the doctor folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better re-attach to healthy bone. Before securing the tissue back into place an antibiotic may be placed in the area to aid in the healing process.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to help you maintain a healthy smile. Reduced pockets and a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth and decrease the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.