Osseous Surgery

Periodontitis is a disease that causes destruction of the supporting structures around teeth that includes bone. The disease erodes away bone in a manner that leaves irregularities to the normal physiologic bony architecture. Osseous surgery is a term that encompasses a group of procedures to treat periodontal disease. Osseous surgery is used to reshape deformities and remove pockets in the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth.  The procedure is also known as pocket reduction surgery, or flap surgery. In some cases, bone replacement grafts can be used to regenerate areas where bone has been lost. Osseous surgery is a common necessity in effective treatment of more advanced periodontal diseases. The ultimate goal of osseous surgery is to reduce or eliminate the periodontal pockets that cause periodontal disease. Despite the word “surgery” the procedure is more like a thorough cleaning with direct access and visibility to the diseased areas of the teeth.

After the procedure, the bone and gum tissue around teeth is placed at a level that is most conducive to oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and the use of aids to clean in between teeth. To maintain the results of the procedure, we demonstrate to our patients how best to utilize oral hygiene tools tailored to each individual patient.