Periodontal
flap procedures may be the most universal and commonly used of all periodontal
surgical techniques. A flap is a
section of gum tissue that has been freed from its underlying attachment in
order to gain direct vision and access to the periodontal structures that are
underneath. These periodontal structures are not normally accessible to the
patient or dentist. The length and shape of the flap relate to the particular
region of the surgery and the nature of the required treatment. An excellent
analogy is that the procedure is like lifting the flap of an envelope to look
at the contents, then closing the flap when done.
It is important to have healthy gums. If you think a flap procedure might be for you, contact us soon. |
Indications
Flap
procedures are indicated in cases of periodontal disease with active or
nonresponsive pockets that are too deep to be treated successfully with
scaling, root planing, or curettage. The flap may be raised to treat one tooth,
a sextant (six teeth), or a quadrant (eight teeth). The advantage of the flap
procedure is the shorter treatment time needed due to the improved access to
the affected area. The root surfaces can be seen directly for better and more
accurate cleaning. Pockets can be selectively reduced, or regeneration of lost
tissues can be attempted. Many times the flap procedure is used strictly for
correcting soft tissue defects. At other times, when the damage is more severe,
the flap is used to gain access to the hard periodontal supporting structures
for osseous (bone) surgery.
Procedures
Preoperative
radiographs, clinical observation, and periodontal charting assist in planning
which procedures are required during the flap procedure. However, none of these
procedures give a direct view of the treatment site. Flap procedures are most
often done by a periodontal specialist (a periodontist). While the periodontist may have a specific
treatment plan for treating the diseased areas, when the flap is raised, the
method for treating your particular problem may be modified. It may involve
regenerative procedures. Bone grafting with natural or synthetic bone may be
done. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) may be attempted. These procedures may
be done separately or in conjunction with one another. Other options include
direct scaling and root planing of calculus (tartar) that might exist and the reshaping
of a bone in a particularly difficult area.
The
procedure involves the use of a local anesthetic so there is no pain during
treatment. After the procedure is done, there is normally little postoperative
discomfort. Prescription medication may be provided to deal with this. It is uncommon for surgical problems to arise
after the flap is closed. Sutures will be used and a periodontal dressing
(pack) may be placed for one week. After that time, the pack may be left off or
reapplied, depending on your individual healing progress. Flaps normally heal
quickly and well. Four to eight weeks after the procedure, the tissue appears
normal. If indicated, further dentistry (fillings, crowns, etc.), can then be
completed.
If you have any questions about periodontal flap procedures, please
feel free to ask us at (512)250-5012.
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Omni Dental Group
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