Flap surgery is an invasive dental procedure that involves lifting your gum tissues to access the roots of your teeth and remove underlying bacteria and tartar. It is commonly used for patients with advanced gum disease or those with gum recession. When determining a good candidate for flap surgery, a dentist will consider your overall health and oral condition.
Advanced Gum Disease
A patient with advanced gum disease is a good candidate for this surgery. If your gums have pulled away from your teeth, creating deep pockets, the surgery helps clean those pockets and eliminate bacteria growth.
Gum Recession
Flap surgery can help rectify oral problems if you have severe gum recession. The surgeon accesses the root of the teeth and eliminates any tartar or bacteria-causing infection. Once the tooth’s roots are clean, the gum tissues are repositioned. It helps minimize the pocket depth and ensures the gum tissues reattach to your teeth. You will have normal gum tissue after the surgery.
Failed Non-Surgical Treatment
If you have been on a non-surgical treatment method for a while and they are not working, a dental expert will recommend flap surgery. The surgery is ideal for people undergoing scaling, root planing, and antibiotic treatment with no positive results. The procedure will help remove stubborn tartar and bacteria and ensure healthy gums.
Good Overall Health
Another factor that the surgeon will consider is your general health. The procedure is invasive and requires anesthesia. It also comes with a few risks; thus, you must have good overall health. The surgeon will inquire about underlying chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes that can compromise the procedure or healing process.
A dental professional evaluates each case and determines whether surgery is the best. They will check your medical history, overall health, and the nature of the oral disease.
