Periodontal Flap Surgery and Root Coverage

Flap surgery is, by far, the most common surgery used in periodontal therapy. More advanced cases of periodontal disease result in gum pockets that are too deep to effectively clean without reflecting back the gum tissue for access. The disease will progress because deep calculus and plaque can’t be removed from the root without this access. Open flap curettage is this surgical cleaning procedure.

A cleaned pocket may return the gum to its original level. Still, the deepened pocket remains present. Even practicing good oral hygiene and coming in for scheduled cleanings may not stop the bacteria from causing the pocket to be infected. The surgeon may choose to suture the gum down to where the bone has resorbed, reducing the depth of space. Once the space is reduced to 3 millimeters or less, the patient has an easier ability to reach it with daily brushing and flossing, thereby eliminating the disease.

Usually, we find that the bacteria have caused the bone to resorb and become pitted. Flap surgery can then give access not only for root cleansing, but promotes recontouring of the bone itself. That’s why performing osseous surgery is a good way to eliminate moderate pockets.

If regeneration procedures are to be performed, flap surgery is also needed. The pictures below show a great representation of this.

Not only is flap surgery effective, but it’s also pretty painless, as patients only experience a minimal amount of postoperative discomfort.