Dr. Hiren Bhojak

Flap Surgery	Time Require: 2 seatings
By far the most common surgery used in periodontal therapy is flap surgery. Moderate to advanced periodontal disease involved gum pockets (See What Is Periodontal Disease?) that are too deep to clean without reflecting back the gum tissue for access. Without this access, deep calculus and plaque cannot be removed from the root, and the disease will progress. This surgical cleaning procedure is often called open flap curettage.
Deep Pocket with calculus	Flap Reflected to access calculus

Once the pocket is cleaned, the gum may be returned to its original level. This results in a clean root, but the deepened space is still present. Frequent cleanings by the hygienist are necessary to remove the plaque in the residual pocket that the patient cannot reach with flossing and brushing
Even when there is good oral hygiene and regular quarterly recalls, the bacteria may still continue to cause the pocket to become reinfected. When cosmetics are not a concern (on the lower teeth, the inside of the upper teeth, and the outside of the upper back teeth), the surgeon may elect to suture the gum down to where the bone has resorbed, reducing the depth of the space. If the space is reduced to 3 millimeters or less, the patient is able to reach the bottom of the space with daily brushing and flossing, eliminating the disease.
Gum sutured back to normal height, leaving a deepened space	Gum sutured down to bone to reduce residual space

In summary, for most moderate and advanced cases, it is important to be able to reach far under the gum to treat the infection and diseased tissues.

By using flap surgery, the periodontist is able to access these areas to provide the optimal care available. With today's medications, surgery should be painless with only a minimal amount of post-operative discomfort

Dental Services

Flap Surgery