Restoring Gum and Bone Health for a Stronger, Healthier Smile
At Dr. Strutz Periodontics, we believe in providing comprehensive treatments for patients with advanced gum disease and bone loss. Osseous surgery, also known as bone surgery, is a vital procedure that helps treat severe periodontal disease by addressing both gum tissue and the underlying bone structure. It is designed to restore oral health, reduce gum pockets, and ensure the stability of your teeth.
Dr. William Strutz and the team at Strutz Periodontics are committed to providing high-quality, personalized care. If you have gum disease that has caused significant damage to your gums and bone structure, osseous surgery can be an effective solution to restore both aesthetics and function.
What is Osseous Surgery?
Osseous surgery is a periodontal procedure that involves reshaping the bone and gum tissues around the teeth to treat advanced gum disease and improve oral health. In cases of periodontitis, bacteria infect and destroy both the gum tissue and the bone supporting the teeth. When the damage is extensive, osseous surgery may be required to clean the affected area, reduce pocket depths, and reshape the bone to encourage healing and reattachment of the gums.
The goal of osseous surgery is to:
- Clean out infected tissue and remove bacteria from beneath the gums.
- Reshape damaged bone to promote healthier gum attachment and reduce gum pockets.
- Preserve tooth function by stabilizing the bone and tissues that support the teeth.
- Enhance the aesthetics of the gums and bone for a more natural and attractive smile.
Why Do You Need Osseous Surgery?
Osseous surgery is generally recommended when gum disease has progressed to a point where less invasive treatments, such as scaling and root planing, have not been sufficient. In advanced periodontal disease, gum pockets deepen, and bone loss becomes more severe, which can lead to tooth mobility or even tooth loss if untreated.
Reasons you may need osseous surgery include:
- Severe Gum Disease (Periodontitis): When gum disease progresses, it causes significant bone loss, deep gum pockets, and gum recession, making osseous surgery necessary to restore health.
- Deep Gum Pockets: When gum pockets exceed 5 mm, bacteria can hide deep within the pockets, making it difficult to clean and treat with routine cleaning methods. Osseous surgery reduces the depth of these pockets and helps promote healing.
- Bone Loss: If periodontal disease has caused significant bone loss around your teeth, osseous surgery can reshape the bone to support healthy tissue and prevent further deterioration.
- Persistent Infections: When infections in the gum and bone persist despite other treatments, osseous surgery can be used to remove infected tissue and prevent the infection from spreading.
What to Expect During Osseous Surgery?
Osseous surgery is typically performed in our office under local anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. In some cases, we may offer sedation options for patients who experience anxiety or require more extensive work. Here’s an overview of the procedure:
1. Comprehensive Consultation and Evaluation
Before the procedure, Dr. William Strutz will conduct a thorough examination of your gums and bone. This may include taking X-rays or 3D imaging to assess the extent of the damage and to develop a customized treatment plan. We will discuss your goals, options, and any concerns you may have.
2. Numbing and Anesthesia
Once you’re comfortable and the treatment area is numbed, Dr. William Strutz will carefully access the infected gum tissue through a small incision. If necessary, sedation options will be offered to ensure you remain relaxed during the surgery.
3. Cleaning and Reshaping
Dr. William Strutz will then remove any infected tissue and bacteria beneath the gums. In cases of significant bone loss, the bone may be reshaped or smoothed to eliminate defects and promote proper gum reattachment. Sometimes, bone grafts or regenerative materials are added to stimulate new bone growth and enhance healing.
4. Reattaching the Gum Tissue
After cleaning and reshaping the bone, the gum tissue is carefully repositioned and sutured back into place. In some cases, a special membrane may be used to protect the bone and encourage faster healing.
5. Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
After the procedure, Dr. William Strutz will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure that you heal properly. It’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and tenderness in the days following the surgery, but these symptoms can usually be managed with prescribed pain medication and at-home care.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery process for osseous surgery can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but most patients heal within 1 to 2 weeks. Here’s what to expect during your recovery:
- Pain and Discomfort: Mild to moderate discomfort is common in the first few days following surgery. Over-the-counter pain medications or prescribed medications can help alleviate this.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling around the treated area is also common and should subside within a few days. Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling.
- Dietary Adjustments: It’s important to stick to a soft-food diet for the first few days after surgery to avoid irritation or damage to the treated area.
- Oral Hygiene: You will need to be careful when brushing and flossing around the treated area in the first few days. We may recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
- Follow-Up Care: A follow-up visit will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and ensure the surgery site is healing correctly. Dr. William Strutz will also check for any signs of infection or complications.
Benefits of Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery provides a range of benefits, including:
- Reduced Gum Pockets: By reshaping the bone and removing infected tissue, osseous surgery helps reduce deep gum pockets, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of infection.
- Improved Bone Structure: The surgery can restore the natural contours of your bone, providing a solid foundation for your teeth and improving their stability.
- Healthier Gums: Removing infection and bacteria from beneath the gums allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth surface, promoting overall gum health.
- Prevent Tooth Loss: By addressing severe gum disease and bone loss, osseous surgery helps stabilize your teeth, preventing tooth mobility and potential tooth loss.
- Long-Term Oral Health: The goal of osseous surgery is to create an environment where the gums and bone can remain healthy, allowing for long-term oral health and the successful placement of dental implants if needed.
Why Choose Strutz Periodontics for Osseous Surgery?
At Strutz Periodontics, we specialize in providing advanced periodontal treatments, including osseous surgery, with the highest standards of care. Here’s why you can trust us with your periodontal needs:
Expert Care:
Dr. William Strutz is a skilled periodontist with extensive experience in performing osseous surgery and other complex periodontal procedures.
Advanced Technology:
We use state-of-the-art technology, such as 3D imaging, to ensure precise treatment planning and optimal results.
Patient-Centered Approach:
We prioritize your comfort and well-being before, during, and after the procedure, offering sedation options and personalized care to ensure a positive experience.
Comprehensive Aftercare:
Our team is committed to providing thorough follow-up care and ongoing support to help you heal effectively and achieve long-lasting results.
