Osseous Surgery
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Periodontal Services
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery, often called pocket reduction surgery or gingivectomy, includes a range of procedures designed to provide access to the tooth roots so that hardened plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria can be thoroughly removed. This treatment helps manage advanced stages of periodontal disease and supports long-term gum and bone health.
At Mainline Dental Arts, osseous surgery is performed with the goal of restoring healthy gum structures while helping patients maintain strong and functional teeth.
Goals of Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is performed to reshape irregularities in the bone surrounding the teeth and to eliminate deep periodontal pockets where bacteria tend to accumulate. It is commonly recommended when periodontal disease has progressed beyond what non-surgical treatments can effectively address. Although the term “surgery” may sound intimidating, many patients describe the experience as similar to a deep dental cleaning.
The primary objectives of osseous surgery include:
Reducing Bacterial Spread
Bacteria present in periodontal pockets can enter the bloodstream and contribute to systemic health concerns, including heart and respiratory conditions. Removing deep tartar deposits helps minimize bacterial accumulation and lowers the risk of infection spreading beyond the mouth.
Preventing Bone Loss
The body’s inflammatory response to periodontal infection can lead to deterioration of the jawbone, eventually resulting in tooth loss. Osseous surgery helps halt disease progression by removing infection and preserving remaining bone structure.
Enhancing the Smile
Periodontal disease can affect both oral health and appearance, often causing gum discoloration, tooth damage, and uneven gum contours. By reducing infection and restoring healthier gum tissue, osseous surgery can improve both aesthetics and confidence.
Facilitating Home Care
As gum pockets deepen, effective brushing and flossing become more difficult. By reducing pocket depth, osseous surgery makes daily oral hygiene easier and helps prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Before the procedure begins, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure comfort throughout treatment. During the surgery, Dr. Michael Strassberg, DDS, Dr. Juliana Ko, DMD, or Dr. Milita Borguet, DMD will carefully make small incisions around the affected teeth to gently separate the gum tissue from the underlying bone. This allows clear access to the tooth roots and bone structures.
Once exposed, the roots are thoroughly cleaned through scaling to remove tartar and bacterial deposits. Specialized instruments may then be used to reshape the surrounding bone to eliminate irregularities and create a healthier contour. In certain cases, bone grafting may be recommended to repair larger defects and support regeneration.
After treatment, the gum tissue is repositioned and secured with sutures. A protective periodontal dressing may be applied to assist healing. Patients are typically provided with pain management medication and antimicrobial rinses containing chlorhexidine to support recovery.
Aftercare and Healing
Mild bleeding and swelling are normal following osseous surgery and can usually be managed by applying an ice pack externally to the treated area. If excessive bleeding or swelling occurs, patients are encouraged to contact the office promptly.
Follow-up visits are important to monitor healing and ensure successful results. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and adhering to a recommended maintenance program during the early healing phase is essential to prevent infection and promote long-term periodontal health.
Contact Us
- Mainline Dental Arts LLC 110 N Essex Ave, Narberth, PA 19072, United States
Working Hours
- MON - WED : 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- FRI, SAT & SUN : Closed
