Alternative to Gum Flap Surgery

Gum flap surgery is used in more severe cases of periodontal disease. A flap of the gum is cut and peeled away from the teeth so that calculus and debris can be removed from the lower tooth. By removing this material, the inflammation beneath the gums will subside as the tissue heals from the surgery. However, there are other, less invasive treatments for gum disease.

Gum Disease

• Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a condition that affects the gums and jaw bone. Most commonly caused by inadequate oral hygiene, gum disease can also be reversed by improved hygiene during the early stages.
  Once the condition has been present for some time, the damage is more permanent and will require more extensive cleanings and treatments.

Root Planing

• Root planing is a procedure that may be tried before or instead of flap surgery. It can also remove calculus and debris below the gum line.
  Dr. Dan Peterson, DDS, describes root planing as a process that "...involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth...so gum tissue can more firmly reattach to roots that are clean and smooth to prevent tooth loss and sensitivity problems."
  In some cases, root planing will be performed in addition to scaling.

Scaling

• Scaling is a process that removes calculus and bacteria from around and below the gum line. Pockets or recesses in the gums can be cleaned out by scaling.
  However, according to Dr. Jeffrey Wissot, DDS, "one common side effect of periodontal scaling is sensitivity to hot and cold, due to exposed roots after the gum shrinks." This side effect generally lessens over time.
  Both scaling and root planing are considered deep periodontal cleanings. Sometimes a dental professional will also use antibiotics to help the gums heal in addition to a deep cleaning. The antibiotics are generally placed directly on or beneath the gums. They kill the bacteria that cause inflammation, which allows the gum tissue to heal more completely.