Osseous (Flap) Surgery

What Is Osseous Surgery?

Osseous surgery, also called flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery, treats advanced periodontal disease. The gum is gently lifted away from the teeth so the root surfaces and the bone beneath can be cleaned directly, irregular bone damaged by the disease is smoothed, and the gum is then repositioned snugly against the tooth and sutured.

Why Pocket Depth Matters

As periodontal disease progresses, the space between tooth and gum deepens into a pocket. Past a certain depth neither a toothbrush nor an instrument working blind from above can reach the bottom, so the infection continues regardless of how well you clean. Reducing that depth is what makes the area maintainable again.

Recovery and Afterwards

Expect swelling and tenderness for several days and a soft diet for a short period. Gums often sit slightly lower afterwards, so teeth can look a little longer and roots may be temporarily sensitive.

Osseous surgery halts damage — it does not make you immune to recurrence. Periodontal maintenance visits on a shorter interval than a routine cleaning are what hold the result.