Periodontal disease destroys supporting tissue and bone around the teeth, forming deep pockets for bacteria to potentially live in. As bacteria develops around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. Once under the gum tissue, these bacteria can further bone & tissue loss. If too much bone is lost, teeth may need to be extracted.

Used to treat moderate to severe periodontal disease, osseous surgery is an effective procedure to reduce pockets and control infection. During osseous surgery, the gum tissue is folded back and the disease-causing bacteria is removed before the gum tissue is put back into place. In addition to bacteria removal, damaged bone may be smoothed to limit areas where bacteria can hide – allowing gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.

Osseous surgery is typically performed in the office under a local anesthetic. In most cases, patients are able to return to normal activity the following day.

Reduced pockets and a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth and decrease the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.