GUM SURGERY

SURGERY (OPEN FLAP CURETTAGE)
Surgery allows access for deep cleaning of the root surface, removal of diseased tissue, and repositioning and shaping of the bones, gum, and tissues supporting the teeth. Surgical procedures vary depending on the individual diagnosis and needs of the patient. The basic procedure is known as open flap curettage. It involves:

• The periodontal surgeon lifts, or flaps, the gums away from the tooth and surrounding bone.
• The diseased root surfaces are cleaned and curetted (scraped) to remove deposits.
• Gum tissue is replaced into positions to minimize pocket depth.
• The periodontist may also contour the remaining bone and attempt to regenerate lost bone and gingival attachment through bone grafts and guided tissue regeneration or the use of enamel matrix protein derivatives.