Osseous surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, is a periodontal procedure used to treat areas of advanced gum disease. As periodontitis progresses, the gums can separate from the teeth and supporting bone may be lost, creating deeper pockets where bacteria and tartar are difficult to remove.
During osseous surgery, the gum tissue is carefully repositioned to provide access to the tooth roots and supporting bone. Bacterial deposits are removed, and irregular areas of damaged bone may be reshaped when necessary. The gums are then positioned to create a more maintainable environment around the teeth.
Non-surgical periodontal therapy is often the first approach to treating gum disease. When deep pockets or areas of disease remain after initial treatment, surgical therapy may be considered to provide greater access and improve long-term maintainability.
Osseous surgery may be recommended when:
A comprehensive periodontal evaluation helps determine whether surgery or another treatment approach is appropriate.
Osseous surgery addresses several factors that can make advanced periodontal disease difficult to manage. The goal is not simply to remove diseased tissue, but to create an environment that can be maintained more effectively over time.
Repositioning the gums provides direct access to root surfaces and periodontal areas that may be difficult to reach with non-surgical instruments.
Bacterial deposits and tartar are thoroughly removed from exposed root surfaces to create a cleaner environment adjacent to the healing gums.
Periodontal disease can create irregularities in the bone surrounding the teeth. When appropriate, these areas may be carefully reshaped during treatment.
The gums are repositioned to reduce pocket depth and improve access for brushing, interdental cleaning, and professional periodontal maintenance.
Some tenderness, swelling, sensitivity, or minor bleeding can occur following periodontal surgery and generally improves during the initial healing period. We’ll provide detailed instructions for keeping the area clean, eating comfortably, and protecting the surgical site.
As swelling decreases and the gums heal in their new position, the teeth may temporarily appear longer or feel more sensitive because more of the tooth or root surface may be exposed. Ongoing periodontal maintenance is essential after healing to help control bacterial buildup and monitor the long-term stability of the treated areas.
Osseous surgery is a specific type of periodontal, or gum, surgery. It is also called pocket reduction surgery because one of its primary goals is to reduce deep periodontal pockets while providing access to clean the tooth roots and, when needed, reshape irregular supporting bone.
Scaling and root planing can successfully manage many areas of periodontal disease, but some deep pockets may remain difficult to clean or maintain. When disease persists after non-surgical treatment, surgery can provide direct access to these areas and create more maintainable periodontal contours.
Traditional osseous surgery primarily focuses on cleaning affected root surfaces, reshaping irregular bone when necessary, and reducing periodontal pockets. It is different from regenerative procedures intended to encourage new bone or tissue formation. Your doctor will determine which approach is appropriate for the type of periodontal defect present.
They may. Because the gums are repositioned to reduce periodontal pocket depth, more of the tooth or root surface can sometimes become visible after healing. The amount of change varies depending on the severity of disease, location of treatment, and amount of tissue and bone involved.
