Flap Procedure for Gum Disease

You may need surgery for severe gum disease (Reference periodontitis Opens New Window) if it cannot be cured with Reference antibiotics Opens New Window or root planing and scaling. A flap procedure cleans the Reference roots Opens New Window of a tooth and repairs bone damage caused by Reference gum disease Opens New Window. A gum specialist (periodontist) or an oral surgeon often performs the procedure.

Before the procedure, you will be given a Reference local anesthetic Opens New Window to numb the area where the doctor will work on your gums.

The doctor will pull back a section of your gums to clean the Reference roots Opens New Window of your teeth and repair damaged bone, if needed. The gum flap will be sewn back into place and covered with gauze to stop the bleeding.

Bone may be:

• Smoothed and reshaped so that Reference plaque Opens New Window has fewer places to grow.
• Repaired (Reference grafted Opens New Window) with bone from another part of the body or with man-made materials. The doctor may place a lining on the bone graft to help the bone grow back. The lining may need to be removed later.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.