Osseous Surgery (Pocket Reduction)
What This Page Covers:
- Osseous Surgery: Osseous surgery treats advanced periodontal disease by reducing pocket depth and removing bacteria, improving gum and bone health.
- Necessity: Pocket reduction allows for better cleaning, preventing disease progression and making oral hygiene more effective.
- Preparation: Before surgery, expect a thorough examination, X-rays, and possible medication adjustments to ensure the best outcome.
- Union City Oral Surgery Group: The experienced team provides tailored osseous surgery to restore oral health in a comfortable, patient-centric environment.
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.
WHAT IS OSSEOUS SURGERY? WHO NEEDS IT?
Osseous surgery, sometimes known as pocket reduction surgery, is a procedure aimed at treating periodontal disease when it has caused significant changes to the bone that supports the teeth. This type of surgery is typically recommended for individuals with deep pockets that cannot be effectively cleaned through regular dental hygiene practices or with non-surgical treatments alone.
During osseous surgery, a dental professional carefully folds back the gum tissue to remove the disease-causing bacteria before smoothing out irregularities on the damaged bone. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone and reduces pocket depth. The goal is to create a clean, smooth surface around the teeth, making it harder for bacteria to adhere and easier for patients to maintain good oral hygiene.
People who notice that they have persistent gum problems despite regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups may be candidates for this surgery. It’s a targeted intervention that addresses the root cause of periodontal disease progression and helps restore oral health.
WHY IS POCKET REDUCTION NECESSARY?
As periodontal disease progresses, these pockets deepen, making it increasingly difficult for patients and dental professionals to effectively clean them. This inability to properly maintain oral hygiene in these areas accelerates the progression of the disease, leading to the potential need for pocket reduction.
By surgically reducing the depth of these pockets, the procedure allows for more effective cleaning and maintenance, significantly reducing the risk of further periodontal disease progression. It essentially resets the affected area to a more manageable state, where regular oral hygiene practices can be more effective in preventing the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
PREPARING FOR OSSEOUS SURGERY: WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?
Before undergoing osseous surgery, your dental professional will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and may require X-rays to understand the extent of the periodontal disease and the condition of the bone around your teeth. This step is crucial for planning the surgery and ensuring the best possible outcome. You might be asked about your medical history to identify any conditions that could affect the surgery or your recovery. It’s important to discuss any medications you’re taking, as some may need to be paused or adjusted.
On the day of your surgery, it’s advisable to eat a good meal beforehand since you might need to wait a while before eating again post-procedure. Wear comfortable clothing and arrange for someone to drive you home, as you may feel groggy if sedation is used during the surgery. Your dentist might also recommend starting a course of antibiotics before the surgery to prevent infection. Following these preparatory steps can help ensure that you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible leading up to your osseous surgery.
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.
