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Periodontal Surgery—Open Flap

(Pocket Depth Reduction)

by Deanna M. Neff, MPH

Home | Health Information Center | Procedure & Surgery Fact Sheets | Article

Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Dentist

En Español

Definition

Periodontal disease refers to bacterial plaque and infections around the gum and tooth root. It can happen around one or several teeth. In its more advanced stages, surgery may be needed to fix damaged gums.

Periodontal Disease

Reasons for Procedure

This surgery is needed when:

Deep infected pockets have formed and it is too hard to keep them clean
Gums around the teeth are damaged and cannot be fixed with nonsurgical techniques, like deep cleaning and medications

This surgery slows the progression of periodontal disease by reducing deep pockets and bacterial growth. Periodontal disease can cause other health problems if not treated.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your dentist will review potential problems, like:

Changes in gum appearance
Bleeding
Infection
Gum swelling
Reaction to the sedation

Before your procedure, talk to your dentist about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

Smoking
Drinking
Chronic disease such as or obesity

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Tell your dentist of any recent changes to your health, medications, allergies, or supplements.
Take your prescription medications, unless your dentist says otherwise.
Talk to your dentist or pharmacist if you are taking more than 1 drug. Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. This includes over-the-counter medications and herb or dietary supplements.
You may be asked to take an antibiotic before surgery.
Arrange for a ride if you are having sedation.

Sometimes, sedative medications are used to make you more relaxed during surgery. If you are undergoing conscious sedation, you will be asked to not eat for at least 6 hours before surgery. Otherwise, you can follow a normal diet.

Anesthesia

A local anesthetic will be used near the gum disease.

Your dentist may recommend conscious sedation. You will be awake, but will not have anxiety during the surgery.

Description of Procedure

This surgery is usually done in an outpatient setting. You do not need to stay overnight. If you are undergoing sedation, you will have it through an IV. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing will be monitored during and after the surgery.

The periodontist or dentist will numb the affected area using a local anesthetic delivered through a needle. They will make a small cut in the gum line near the tooth root. The gum flap will be pulled back, and the infected area will be cleaned and scraped. The gum flap will be repositioned to minimize the deep pocket size that formed. The gum will be stitched back into place. A dressing will be applied.

How Long Will It Take?

The time it takes to complete the procedure depends on the extend of the damage and how many gum areas are affected.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Post-procedure Care

At the Dentist Office

During your stay, the dental staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same
Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

When you return home:

Do not exercise for a few days as directed.
Follow your doctor's instructions.

Call Your Dentist

It is important for you to monitor your recovery. Alert your dentist to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your dentist:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excess bleeding, or any unusual discharge
Pain and swelling that is not controlled with medication or home care
Dressing or stitches have come loose or are uncomfortable
Loose tissue
Continued swelling after 48 hours
New or unexpected symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Periodontology
http://www.perio.org

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca

Dental Hygiene Canada
http://www.dentalhygienecanada.ca

References:

Gingivectomy. Encyclopedia of Surgery website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 13, 2017.

Gum graft surgery: Indications, successe rate and possible complications. Net Wellness website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 13, 2017.

Periodontal (gum) disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm. Updated September 2013. Accessed September 13, 2017.

Periodontal pocket reduction procedures. American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at: https://www.perio.org/consumer/pocket-reduction-procedures.htm. Accessed September 13, 2017.

6/2/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed... : Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.

Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD
Last Updated: 9/13/2017

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