What Is Osseous Surgery?
Introduction to osseous surgery
It is also known as Periodontal flap surgery, it is a dental procedure which is used to treat critical cases of gum disease that have led to loss of bone around the teeth. This is basically performed by specialist called periodontist, a dental specialists deals with bones of teeth and there betterment. The primary objective of osseous surgery is to restore heath status of gums, and to halt the progress of periodontal disease.
During the process of osseous surgery, dentist get assess to the infected area by creating flaps in the gums of teeth, leading to underlying bone and tooth roots. This make easier removal of diseased tissue, tartar and calculus to protect from bacterial accumulation.
When osseous surgery is required
Osseous surgery is required in following conditions that are discussed below.
Deep periodontal pockets
When gum disease progresses, spaces are formed between gums and the teeth. As the pockets become deeper, it become difficult to clean them thoroughly. So, osseous surgery is used to clean them properly.
Irregularities and bone defects
Gum diseases can lead to irregularities and bone defects. These irregularities can be cleared with the help of osseous surgery osseous surgery help in smoothing out these irregularities and defects making more favorable atmosphere for the restoration of gums.
Access to the root surface
When there is infection it became difficult to access to the tooth root. Then osseous surgery is performed to get access to the root surface and clean them perfectly. If the roots are cleaned properly, it will prevent from further infection and keep the oral cavity healthy. Access to the root surface is very necessary for its cleaning.
Osseous surgery procedure
Pre operative assessment
Before going for osseous surgery, complete pre operative assessment is required, this involved the complete examination of oral cavity. The examination include, the level of periodontal disease, bone loss, and overall condition of effected teeth and gums. X ray and diagnostic techniques are used to complete assessment of teeth before osseous surgery.
Anesthesia and sedation
There are various anesthesia and sedation options that are used before going for osseous surgery. Local anesthesia like lignocaine is administrated to the site of surgery to numb that area. Some of patient feel stress and anxiety in local anesthesia, for such patients sedation is given through intravenous route. These are the options that are opted to keep the patient relaxed and pain free during the process of surgery.
Elevation of flap and bone access
The surgery start with the formation of small incisions in the gum tissues, forming flaps and carefully lifting them to reach underlying bone and tooth roots. The flaps will allow the dentist to reach the area beneath the gums and accessing the area surrounding the teeth.
Removal of calculus and infected part
After reaching the surgical area, the next and most important step is removal of bacterial accumulation and calculus (tartar) from the surrounding of teeth roots. Specialized instruments are used to clean these infected parts to prevent teeth from infection and inflammation.
Bone reshaping and grafting
If the bones are defected and irregularities are found in the bones, then bone reshaping and bone grafting procedure are used to make regular and attractive shape of teeth. Additionally, if there is bone loss then bone grafting and regenerative material are used to restore the shape of teeth.
Suturing of wound
The final step to complete the surgery is suturing. After completion of treatment, the repositioning of gums flaps is very important. Sutures are applied on the flaps to secure there accurate position And promote proper healing process. Sutures are used to protect the surgical site and to prevent bleeding. It is better to use dissolved sutures to prevent it from later removal and more appointments.
Post operative care
Postoperative care is very important after successful osseous surgery. Some of the important guidelines that are related to post operative care are discussed below.
Pain management and discomfort
After successful surgery the patient may goes through pain and discomfort for few days, for this purpose dentist provides special guidelines for management of pain and discomfort. Appropriate medicine is prescribed by the dentist to the patient to deal with pain and discomfort. To over counter the pain dentist prescribe ibuprofen and chloramphenicol, these give relief to the patient and help in achieving comfort and painless postoperative days.
Oral Hygiene guidelines
Oral hygiene care is very important part of postoperative care for successful surgery and quick healing procedure. Dentist provides specific instructions to the patient, that how to take care of its oral hygiene that would help in quick healing process and save from any future in future infection. It is important to avoid brushing for few days at the surgical site, because it can damage the sutures. It is recommended to use mouthwash and saltwater to gently cleanse the area. Until, any green signal is provided by the expert dentist for brushing teeth.
Dietary recommendation
Always healthy and soft diet is recommended after the osseous surgical process. It is better to avoid hard food, because it can damage sutures. A proper guideline is provided by the dentist regarding the diet. In the start soft and liquid diet is mostly recommended. Dentist always force to avoid alcohol and smoking after surgical process, because they can slower the process of healing.
Regular checkup
Regular checkups are very necessary to monitor the healing process of surgical site. Dentist examine the whole surgical site during regular checkups and guide patient according to that situation. During these necessary appointments, x-rays and other diagnostic techniques are used to completely assess the situation in post operative days. These regular Monitoring allow dentist to catch upcoming issues immediately and take action to overcome them before they become major issue for surgical site.