Appointment RequestOsseous Surgery Salt Lake City
Get Your Smile Back in Shape
Advanced gum disease does more than damage the soft tissue around your teeth. It can also affect the portion of the jawbone known as the alveolar ridge, which is responsible for supporting your teeth. If you have been a victim of gum disease, one of the procedures that our Salt Lake City periodontics team may recommend is osseous surgery. Its goal is to improve the shape of your jawbone so it can function better, look better, and be at a lower risk of future problems.
Why Choose Utah Implants & Periodontics for Osseous Surgery?
- Two Highly Skilled On-Staff Periodontists
- Sedation Available for Patient Comfort
- Dental Insurance Welcome and Financing Available
Do You Need Osseous Surgery?
The best way to find out if you need osseous surgery is to attend a consultation with our team. We will evaluate the condition of your jawbone and the extent of your gum disease before we recommend your next steps.
Osseous surgery might be beneficial for you if:
- You have moderate to advanced gum disease.
- You have deep pockets between your teeth and gums (typically more than 5mm).
- Your gum disease has not responded well to more conservative forms of treatment, such as scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning of the mouth).
The Process of Osseous Surgery
The first thing we will do during your osseous surgery appointment is make you comfortable. Not only will we numb your mouth, but we may also administer sedation to help you stay relaxed and calm.
Next, we will create an incision and lift away your gum tissue so we can access the bone. We will remove diseased tissue and clean out harmful bacteria before we reshape the bone so it has a more regular surface that will reduce the size of pockets where bacteria can accumulate. To finish up, we will close the incisions so you can start the healing process.
Depending on the extent of your procedure, it might take place across one or more appointments.
Benefits of Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is pretty amazing! It has the potential to provide these benefits:
- Healthier gums: You will enjoy a significant reduction in gum inflammation and infection, creating a healthier oral environment.
- Reduced pocket depth: Your gum pockets will become shallower, decreasing the spaces where harmful bacteria can hide and multiply.
- Improved bone support: You will have a stronger and more stable jawbone, which supports your teeth and helps prevent future tooth loss.
- Enhanced oral hygiene: You will find it easier to clean your teeth and gums, allowing for better daily maintenance.
- Long-term gum disease control: You will greatly lower your risk of gum disease progression.
Aftercare Tips for Osseous Surgery
Recovering from osseous surgery usually takes at least 2 weeks. Here are some tips to facilitate a smooth healing process:
- Take prescribed medications as directed by your periodontist to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
- Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for 10 – 20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Follow a soft-food diet for several days, avoiding crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that might irritate your gums.
- Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with a recommended antimicrobial mouthwash, but avoid vigorous swishing.
- Do not brush or floss the surgical area until we let you know it is safe to do so.
- Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption, as these can slow down healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Call us right away if you experience unusual symptoms, such as excessive pain, bleeding, or swelling.