HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Flap Procedure for Gum Disease
What To Think About
- A flap procedure is often needed to save teeth that are supported by a bone damaged by gum disease.
- Gum disease usually will come back if you do not brush and floss regularly after surgery.
- To promote healing, stop all use of tobacco. Smoking or using spit tobacco decreases your ability to fight infection of your gums and delays healing. For more information, see the topic Reference Quitting Smoking.
- You will need to see your dentist regularly so that he or she can follow your progress. If your gum disease spreads, you may lose teeth.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF) 
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 5, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine Reference Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry |
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