Periodontal flap surgery describes the state of-the-art techniques and most commonly used approach to the surgical treatment of periodontal pockets. “Pocketing” is the end result of inflammation and infection, one common consequence of periodontal (gum) disease or periodontitis. The long-term goal of periodontal flap surgery is to help increase the life expectancy of the teeth.
The objectives of periodontal flap surgery are to:
- Eliminate or reduce periodontal pockets.
- Regenerate periodontal tissues and their (re)-attachment to the teeth.
- Create more normal periodontal form, function, and aesthetics.
Periodontal gum Flap Surgery — A Conservative Yet Versatile Approach
Current gingival flap techniques are based on a sound understanding of wound healing and are therefore designed to enhance and maximize the gum’s healing potential. Flap surgery is the most conservative and versatile way to treat conditions such as periodontal pocketing, receding or bleeding gums, and gingivitis. An internal surgical opening is used to access the affected gum tissues to create and raise a “flap” of gum tissue, similar to opening the flap of an envelope, aimed at the conservation of all healthy tissue. This approach allows:
- Removal of inner diseased tissue lining the pockets. (This tissue is ulcerated, resulting in open sores within the gum tissues, which are chronically inflamed.)
- Access to treat and clean root surfaces completely.
- Regeneration of lost bone and periodontal ligament.
- Intimate closure of the healthy tissues leaving no open wounds for rapid and comfortable healing.
Where The Action Is — Inside The Flap
When the surgical area and root surfaces are thoroughly and scrupulously cleaned to remove any diseased tissue, attention can then be paid to the tooth root surfaces and the bone. Today’s regenerative techniques take into account wound healing studies and knowledge of the cell types that allow for the creation of new periodontal ligament tissues that attach to the tooth root.
The beauty and essence of the flap approach is that it maintains and preserves the existing healthy outer layers of gingival tissue while allowing access to remove diseased tissue lining and regenerate new tissue within.
Dr. Elyassian has been successfully using laser in the surgical treatment of periodontal pocketing for a great number of patients _just like you_ who needed gum flap surgery and opted for laser to experience less trauma, less bleeding, and shorter recovery time.
