Flap Surgery / Osseous Surgery

What Are Flap and Osseous Surgery?

Flap surgery (also called pocket reduction surgery) and osseous surgery are periodontal procedures designed to treat advanced gum disease. These treatments target deep pockets of infection that form between the gums and teeth—areas that brushing, flossing, or even scaling and root planing can no longer reach.

• Flap surgery involves gently lifting the gums away from the teeth to access and remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria.

• Osseous surgery goes a step further by reshaping the underlying bone that may have been damaged by infection, creating a smoother surface for gums to heal against.

Together, these procedures help eliminate infection, reduce pocket depth, and stabilize teeth affected by periodontitis.

When Is Flap or Osseous Surgery Needed?

You may need flap or osseous surgery if you have:

• Advanced periodontitis with deep gum pockets (5mm or more)

• Persistent inflammation or infection after deep cleaning

• Bone loss around one or more teeth

• Loose teeth due to gum detachment

• Difficulty keeping areas clean due to deep pocketing

These surgeries are often recommended after nonsurgical treatments—like scaling and root planing—haven’t fully resolved gum infection or when X-rays show bone damage.

What Happens During the Procedure?

1. Evaluation & Planning – We perform full periodontal charting, digital imaging, and X-rays to assess the extent of disease and bone loss.

2. Anesthesia – The area is numbed for complete comfort. Sedation options may be available if desired.

3. Flap Access – The gums are carefully lifted to expose the tooth roots and infected tissue.

4. Cleaning & Debridement – Plaque, tartar, and diseased tissue are removed from below the gumline.

5. Osseous Reshaping (if needed) – Irregular or damaged bone is gently smoothed to remove defects and allow gums to reattach properly.

6. Closure & Healing – The gums are repositioned snugly around the teeth and sutured to promote healing.

The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the number of areas treated.

Recovery and Healing

• Mild soreness or swelling is normal for a few days

• Soft foods are recommended for the first week

• Avoid smoking or alcohol during recovery

• Brush gently and use prescribed rinses as directed

• Stitches may dissolve on their own or be removed at your follow-up appointment

Most patients notice healthier, tighter gums within a few weeks and greatly improved comfort while brushing or eating.

Benefits of Flap and Osseous Surgery

• Eliminates deep gum pockets and infection

• Reduces inflammation and bleeding

• Restores proper gum attachment and bone contour

• Helps prevent future periodontal breakdown

• Supports long-term stability of teeth

• Improves overall oral and systemic health

In many cases, these treatments help save natural teeth that might otherwise be lost to gum disease.

FAQs About Flap & Osseous Surgery

Q: Is flap or osseous surgery painful?
A: No. The area is fully numbed, and most patients experience little discomfort. Any post-procedure soreness is mild and manageable.

Q: How long is recovery?
A: Most patients return to normal routines within a few days. Complete healing of the gums and bone may take several weeks.

Q: Will my gums look different afterward?
A: You may notice your teeth appear slightly longer—this is due to the reduced inflammation and repositioned gumline after healing.

Q: How effective is the surgery?
A: When combined with good oral hygiene and regular maintenance, flap and osseous surgery are highly effective in controlling periodontal disease and preventing tooth loss.

Q: Is it covered by insurance?
A: Yes, many dental insurance plans cover these procedures as part of periodontal treatment. Our team can verify your benefits and provide cost estimates before treatment.