Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction)
Periodontal disease affects millions of people worldwide, causing gum inflammation, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues if left untreated. Thankfully, dental professionals have developed innovative techniques like osseous surgery to combat the effects of periodontal disease. The primary goal of osseous surgery is to restore the health and function of the gums and supporting bone, ultimately improving the stability and longevity of your teeth. If you are in need of osseous surgery, a skilled oral surgeon can help you restore your oral health.
At Union City Oral Surgery Group, our specialists are dedicated to providing our patients with first-class care in a comfortable and friendly setting. We take a patient-centric approach to oral surgery and prioritize your needs and goals throughout your treatment journey. Our founder, Dr. Nancy Herbst, has more than 25 years of experience and is committed to customizing your treatment plan to ensure you walk out of our office with the smile you deserve.
WHEN IS OSSEOUS SURGERY NECESSARY?
In a healthy mouth, the pockets between the base of your teeth and your gums are only two to three millimeters deep. Unfortunately, as periodontitis develops, these pockets can become deeper and deeper, allowing bacteria and plaque to become trapped below the gum line.
If addressed in mild to moderate stages, a deep cleaning can help treat periodontitis and improve your oral health. A deep cleaning is similar to a routine dental cleaning that focuses more on the area below the gumline. However, decay and bone loss can occur below the gumline when gum disease advances and the pockets between teeth are more than five millimeters deep.
At this advanced stage, osseous surgery may become necessary to protect your remaining bone and tissue. During the procedure, your surgeon will numb your gums and make a small incision along the gumline to access and remove the bacteria underneath. Then, the bone and teeth are reshaped to eliminate gum pockets and prevent further tissue and bone loss.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OSSEOUS SURGERY?
Your surgeon may recommend this procedure if your bone tissue has degraded to a point where it can no longer properly support your teeth. Continued cleaning and periodontal care can prevent bacterial infection from returning so you can enjoy sustained oral health after your surgery. Osseous surgery or pocket reduction offers many benefits to patients, including the following:
- Eliminating harmful bacteria
- Preventing dangerous infections from infiltrating the bloodstream
- Reducing the size of periodontal pockets
- Improving the strength of bone and gum tissue
- Creating a healthier environment to discourage future bacterial growth
Osseous surgery can be vital in regaining control over your oral health. At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we offer pain-free procedures and various anesthesia options to ensure your comfort. After your incisions heal, most patients find brushing, flossing, and maintaining oral hygiene much easier.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER AN OSSEOUS SURGERY PROCEDURE
While every treatment and aftercare plan is customized to our patient’s needs, there are several best practices we typically ask our patients to follow to avoid complications as they heal and recover. After your surgery, be sure to take the following steps:
- Limit your physical activity for the next 48 hours
- Take the medications your doctor prescribes to reduce any pain, swelling, or discomfort
- Expect some bleeding, and apply pressure with gauze until it subsides. If bleeding persists, contact your surgeon as soon as possible.
- Avoid drinking through a straw
- Avoid hot, sticky, or hard foods and opt for a soft diet instead
After your procedure, it is essential to attend all follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress. As you begin to heal, your doctor will provide you with updated instructions to get you back to your daily routine as quickly as possible. Depending on your unique situation, you may be back to normal activities and a healthy smile in a matter of weeks.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN EXPERIENCED ORAL SURGEON AT UNION CITY ORAL SURGERY GROUP
The skilled oral specialists at Union City Oral Surgery Group are ready to address your oral health concerns to help you take control of your smile. We understand your gums’ importance to your overall health, and we will work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. We offer pain-free and innovative procedures in a safe and friendly environment and will work tirelessly to ensure you leave our office completely satisfied.
We have more than two and a half decades of experience providing our patients with state-of-the-art care and are ready to help you achieve your smile goals. To learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with a skilled oral surgeon, call us today at (201) 601-9262 or complete our online contact form.
