Osseous Surgery – Huntington Beach, CA
Advanced Treatment to Fight Gum Disease
Dr. Braga and our team always strive to help patients stop periodontal (gum) disease in its tracks before it causes serious damage. However, in some cases, the disease progresses to the point where advanced gum treatment in Huntington Beach is the only way to fight it. One of the advanced procedures we offer is osseous surgery, which is otherwise own as pocket depth reduction. On this page, you will learn more about this remarkable treatment.
Why Choose Huntington Beach Periodontics and Dental Implants for Osseous Surgery?
- Highly trained and experienced periodontist
- Sedation available
- Careful, compassionate team
What Is Osseous Surgery?
Bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around the teeth. However, periodontal disease attacks these tissues and causes pockets to form between them and the teeth. These pockets collect harmful plaque and bacteria and make it virtually impossible for an at-home oral hygiene routine to be truly effective.
Osseous surgery corrects this problem by removing diseased gum tissue, thoroughly cleaning plaque and tartar off the tooth roots, and subtly reshaping the jawbone. It thereby reduces the depth of bacteria-collecting pockets and gives the gums an opportunity to heal and firmly reattach to the teeth.
Who Needs Osseous Surgery?
Osseous surgery is not considered one of the fist lines of defense against periodontal disease. Dr. Braga, your periodontist in Huntington Beach, will only recommend it if it is truly necessary. It is generally reserved for patients who have advanced periodontal disease and for whom less invasive treatments are not a viable option.
What to Expect from Osseous Surgery
Local anesthetic is used to numb the mouth. We also offer sedation to help patients stay relaxed. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Braga and our team will carry out the surgery. We usually try to treat all of the affected areas at once, but in some cases, we break up the procedure into multiple appointments. After the surgery, some soreness and swelling are normal. We will provide you with detailed postoperative instructions to help you make your recovery as easy as possible.
Once you heal, you can expect to experience many benefits! Your gums will no longer suffer from constant inflammation, and they will be less likely to bleed when you brush. Your risk of tooth loss will be greatly reduced. You will also experience aesthetic benefits as your gums take on a healthy pink color. Plus, you will be at a lower risk of the many systemic health conditions that are associated with advanced periodontal disease.
Would you like to learn more about osseous surgery or other gum disease treatments? Contact our friendly team today!
Osseous Surgery FAQs
Is Osseous Surgery Painful?
It’s normal to be worried about discomfort prior to having osseous surgery in Huntington Beach performed, but you can rest assured that our team will take whatever steps are necessary to help you stay comfortable in the treatment chair. Your mouth will be kept numb during the procedure thanks to a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. On top of that, we offer multiple forms of sedation dentistry that can keep you relaxed during your appointment.
Once your osseous surgery is complete, there may be some swelling and discomfort. You’ll be given aftercare instructions that can help you keep these symptoms under control while your mouth is healing. The discomfort should eventually fade on its own; if it seems to be growing worse over time, call our team immediately.
How Do You Prepare for Osseous Surgery?
Before your surgery, you may need to take certain medications prescribed by our team. On top of that, you will be told to avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin for a certain amount of time.
On the day of the procedure, it’s recommended that you have something to eat before your appointment. Your mouth will be sore after osseous surgery, so you may have some difficulty eating for a while.
If oral conscious sedation or IV sedation will be administered during your surgery, then you should make arrangements for a friend or family member to take you home afterward. It will take some time for the effects of the sedative to fully wear off; until they do, you won’t be able to drive by yourself.
You may receive other preparatory instructions prior to your surgery. Remember that you can always reach out to us if there’s anything you want to clarify.
What Should You Avoid After Osseous Surgery?
There are certain things you shouldn’t do after osseous surgery if you want to avoid unnecessary discomfort and complications. Be sure not to:
- Smoke or use tobacco products of any kind until your mouth is finished healing.
- Use a straw during the first couple of days of your recovery.
- Eat any foods that are hard, crunchy, hot, cold, spicy, or acidic.
- Drink any carbonated or alcoholic beverages.
Can You Go Back to Work After Osseous Surgery?
The amount of time you need to spend resting at home after osseous surgery can vary from case to case. Some patients are able to return to work within a day or two. However, individuals who have jobs that involve strenuous physical activity may need to stay home for about three to five days in order to avoid unnecessary discomfort and bleeding. If you’re not sure how much time you should take off work following your surgery, don’t be afraid to talk to our team to see what we recommend.