About this topic
Periodontal disease is caused by swelling of the gums and soft tissues that are around your teeth. Sometimes, deeper gum pockets form around these areas and germs can get in near the teeth and cause infection. These pockets become too deep for a toothbrush to clean out the germs. Tissue that supports the teeth may be destroyed and the supporting bone may be lost. If this continues, your teeth may become loose or you may lose teeth. ‚
This surgery lets the dentist fold back the gums for a short time. This allows the dentist to be able to get to the tooth root and supporting bone that is normally covered by the gums. ‚
Periodontal open flap surgery may be done if you have: ‚
- Not responded to other treatments like scaling or root planing
- Deep infected pockets in the gums that are too hard to clean
- Gums are damaged and cannot be fixed without surgery
- Problems with the bones or roots that cannot be reached without using an open flap
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take extra care of any area where you had your graft surgery. Do not rub the area with your tongue. This will help prevent bleeding and permit healing.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Ask your dentist when you may eat or drink after the procedure.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep with your head tilted upward for the rest of the day.
- Ask when it is OK to brush and floss your teeth. It is normal to have pink spit for a few days.
- If you have bleeding, gently apply pressure to the area with a wet tea bag, gauze pad, or clean washcloth for 10 minutes and repeat as needed.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. During your follow-up, your dentist will tell you if more treatment is needed.
- If you have stitches, you may need to have them taken out. Your dentist will want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks unless they are the type that dissolve. If dissolving stitches were placed, they will fall out on their own in about 1 week.
What drugs may be needed?
The dentist may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain or swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity for a short period of time to avoid bleeding. Talk to your dentist about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Follow a soft or liquid diet after the procedure. Eat foods like pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potato, or oatmeal. Chew on the side that did not have surgery. Ask your dentist when you can begin your normal diet.
- Avoid sucking through a straw for 48 hours after surgery.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Gum swelling
- Your teeth may be more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures since the roots may be more exposed
- You may be more at risk for cavities since protective enamel does not cover any exposed roots
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take good care of your teeth. Brush and floss your teeth each day.
- Use only a soft or extra soft toothbrush.
- Get regular dental checkups and cleanings at least twice a year.
- Eat a healthy diet.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, or cut site opens up.
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Bleeding that is heavy or does not slow down and stop by the day after surgery
- Bad pain even after drugs are taken
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how I will take care of my mouth.
- I can tell you when I can go back to my normal diet.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have too much pain or bleeding.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Periodontology ‚
http://www.perio.org/consumer/pocket.htm ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/Periodoncia ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚