Periodontal flap surgery is sometimes necessary to treat advanced periodontal disease if scaling and root planing proves ineffective. Deep periodontal pocket problems along with underlying bone defects can prevent the gum tissues from fully healing and staying healthy. The procedure involves the loosening of the gums from around the teeth in order to fully expose and the clean the parts of the teeth which were previously covered by the gums.

          Periodontal flap surgery involves a series of small incisions made in the gums around the teeth in order to gently lift the gums away from the teeth. The underlying teeth are then cleaned of irritating calculus and each tooth root is thoroughly examined to insure that they are all spotlessly clean, otherwise the periodontal disease can progress and cause serious bone loss. In some cases, in order to aid the healing process, the bone is re-contoured and shaped. When the procedure is complete, the dentist sutures the gums back into place.

          Each periodontal flap surgery generally requires between 1 and 3 hours to complete. In most cases, one quarter to a half of the mouth is treated at each visit. It generally takes several appointments to complete the whole mouth. Sutures should remain in place for about a week and the patient should exercise special care to keep his or her mouth as clean as possible.

          Gum disease is now being found to be implicated in heart disease, strokes and low birth weight babies.The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. They provide comprehensive General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry including periodontal flap surgery when necessary. To schedule a free dental consultation with Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call 404-874-7428. You'll be glad you did!