Flap Surgery

Treatment for advanced periodontal disease.

When advanced gum disease (periodontitis) occurs, it can also attack the bone and threaten the security of the sufferer’s teeth. At this advanced stage, a patient may be unresponsive to a scale and polish, and therefore may require a more thorough procedure through flap surgery.

Flap surgery procedure

To perform this procedure, a local anaesthetic is first administered to numb the treatment area. A section of the gum is then pulled back to enable the dentist to clean the roots of your teeth and repair any damaged bone if necessary. The gum will then be stitched to allow it to heal.

Aftercare

Some soreness and discomfort may be felt for a few days following the procedure and you may wish to take painkillers during this time. You will also be given full instructions on how to care for the area.

If you are having this treatment, it is strongly recommended that you do so at a time when you are able to rest for a while afterwards as this will help to ease any bleeding.

For a while, soft foods are recommended, such as liquid soups, yoghurts etc, with harder foods being gradually introduced over a period of time.

A few days after the procedure, your stitches will be removed by the dentist.

Side effects

Any potential side effects outweigh the risk of losing your teeth and fortunately most side effects are also relatively minor. They include:

• Increased sensitivity in the tooth roots
• Changes in the shape of the gum

Following flap surgery, it is important that you follow a good oral health regimen, with regular brushing, interdental cleaning and regular dental and hygienist visits at our Crouch End dental practice.

Providing this is followed, there is no reason why you should not have healthy gums again, and safe and secure teeth.

For more information about flap surgery, or gum disease in general, please call 186 Park Road Dental Care on 020 8340 7660.