Osseous Surgery

Traditionally, gum disease is treated by eliminating the gum pockets. The infected gum tissue is trimmed away, and uneven bone tissue re-contoured. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, this is frequently combined with new and more sophisticated procedures used routinely today.

Osseous surgery is a type of surgery that involves reshaping of the jawbone under the gum. Most of the damage associated with periodontal disease occurs in the underlying bone; osseous means bone. Bone is frequently destroyed by the infection associated with gum disease. This irregular bone will prevent the gum from laying down flat. Reshaping the bone with osseous surgery will allow the gum to lay down flat in the areas between the teeth.

Periodontal disease destroys the supporting tissue and bone, forming "pockets" around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted.

During osseous surgery Dr. Colón folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to help you maintain a healthy smile. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be sufficient to prevent disease recurrence. 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.