Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
A Definitive Treatment for Advanced Periodontitis
When gum disease progresses to advanced periodontitis, the tissues supporting your teeth pull away, forming deep pockets. These pockets are impossible to clean at home and lead to bone loss, receding gums, and eventually tooth loss. Flap surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, is a definitive periodontitis treatment to resolve this issue. As a board-certified periodontist in Meridian, MS, Dr. J. Eric Herrington has the surgical expertise to perform this procedure and halt the progression of gum disease.
What Is Flap Surgery and Why Is It Necessary?
Flap surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing are not sufficient to manage the depth of the gum pockets. This procedure is the most effective way to gain access to and remove disease-causing bacteria and tartar hiding deep below the gum line. The goal is to eliminate the pockets and create a healthier, shallower gum line that you can effectively clean at home, thereby stopping the destructive cycle of periodontitis.
The Flap Surgery Procedure
After ensuring you are comfortable with local anesthesia and optional sedation dentistry, the procedure involves several key steps:
- Incisions: Dr. Herrington makes small incisions in the gum tissue to gently fold it back, creating a "flap" that exposes the underlying tooth roots and bone.
- Deep Cleaning: The infected tissue is removed, and the tooth roots are thoroughly cleaned and smoothed to remove all tartar and plaque.
- Bone Reshaping: If the bone has been damaged, it may be reshaped to remove craters where bacteria can hide. If significant bone has been lost, a dental bone graft may be placed.
- Closure: The gum tissue is repositioned to reduce the pocket depth and sutured in place.
A Minimally Invasive Alternative: LANAP®
For many patients, we can offer laser periodontal therapy (LANAP®) as a modern alternative to traditional flap surgery. LANAP uses a specialized laser to accomplish the same goals without scalpels or sutures, resulting in less pain, less swelling, and a much faster recovery. Dr. Herrington will discuss which option is best for your specific condition.
Periodontist vs. General Dentist for Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is a complex procedure that requires an expert understanding of the gums and underlying bone. A periodontist is a surgical specialist with three additional years of training dedicated to exactly these types of procedures. As a board-certified gum specialist, Dr. Herrington has the advanced skill required to perform this surgery effectively, manage the delicate tissues for an optimal aesthetic result, and ensure the foundation of your smile is healthy.
For a surgical procedure like flap surgery, the expertise of a periodontist is essential for a successful and predictable outcome.
Tal G.
September 2019
"I recently had a wisdom tooth removed by Dr. Herrington, and was very nervous about the procedure. He was understanding as was his staff and made it a very comfortable experience. Quick, and very little pain involved. I would highly recommend him for any dental work that you may need!"
VIEW ON GOOGLE +DEBORAH D.
December 2017
"The staff was extremely nice. Dr. Herrington was very nice explained each thing he was doing and listened when you asked a question and was happy to give you choices."
VIEW ON GOOGLE +Consult Our Meridian Periodontist
If you have been told you have advanced gum disease, don't delay treatment. By working with a board-certified periodontist, you can halt the disease and save your smile. To schedule a consultation and learn if flap surgery is the right periodontitis treatment for you, contact our office online or call (601) 482-6938.