What You Need to Know About Gingival Flap Surgery

1. What is a Gingival Flap Surgery and What is it Used for

A Gingival flap surgery is a procedure where your gums pulled and folded back to give the doctor access to the root and bone area of your teeth. It's really not as painful as it sounds.

It's used for those with gum diseases like periodontitis. Scaling and root planning will happen first and if that works and removes the infection, then surgery might not be necessary. If it doesn't work then the alternative will be discussed.

2. How Much Does it Cost
There are several factors that determine the price of your surgery. These are your insurance, annual deductibles, and any co-pay requirements. It also varies depending on your healthcare facility.

You can usually get around about estimate before your procedure but you won't be able to get an exact number until after the surgery. The reason for this is, it can be skewed depending on what the surgeon finds while you're under.

3. Preparation for the Surgery
The first thing that will happen is your dental hygienist will clean the plague from around your teeth. While they're checking they will also be making sure that your dental hygiene is in top form.

Once you're in the clear, your periodontist will ask you a few health questions. This is just a standard procedure to make sure everything goes smoothly. You will need to truthfully answer

What medications you're currently taking if any. This will ensure that any drugs they give you won't clash with the ones you're taking.
Are there any medications that you're allergic to?
Are you on any blood thinners or supplements?

They will need to know if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Have you suffered a heart attack, or have ever experienced blood clots?
Does your family have a history of any of the above things?
It sounds like a lot to prepare for, but all of it is necessary and is for your own safety.

4. How is the Surgery Done
You'll be given plenty of anesthetics during the surgery and pain pills after so you won't have to worry about pain. Again, your gum will be separated from the infected tooth and pulled back so the surgeon can get to the root and bone.

Any inflamed tissue will be removed and any defects on the bone will be cleaned and smoothed down via scaling and root planning. Once that is done, the gum will be stitched back. Sometimes the stitching will dissolve on its own, and sometimes you have to return in a little over a week to get them removed.

The doctor will probably cover the site with a bandage. The surgery is fairly simple and has a great track record for being successful.

5. After Care Instructions
After your surgery, you'll want to make sure to keep your mouth as clean as possible while you're healing. You'll be able to brush and floss like you normally would. Sometimes you'll be prescribed a special mouthwash to rinse with.

You'll most likely experience a little swelling but that can be taken care of with an ice pack. Your doctor will probably give you an antibiotic just in case of infection. You'll visit your doctor again in about ten days.

6. What are the Risks
Though the surgery is fairly simple, it doesn't come without any risks. It's possible that you could experience some bleeding and swelling. If you take the antibiotics as instructed then that should fight infection, but it's not full proof.

Over time, your gum line could recede and then you'll be sensitive to hot and cold foods. It's also possible for you to develop cavities in your roots.

There are a few complications that can happen during surgery depending on a few outside factors like if you have obesity, or if you smoke.

7. When You Should Call a Professional
Usually, any bleeding will stop after a few days. If you continue bleeding after that, then it's best for you to see your doctor.

Bleeding, and other symptoms persisting or getting worse could mean that you're experiencing an infection which needs to be treated right away. If you don't get it fixed up ASAP it will lead to bigger problems down the road.

What You Need to Know About Gingival Flap Surgery
Gingival flap surgery is a fairly simple process that will only take a week or so to recover from. It can be a little daunting when you're told that you need it, but it will be over so soon, that you'll barely realize you had anything done.

You'll have your health care professional with you every step of the way from the time you plan the surgery with them to the follow-up visit right after it's done. There is no need to worry, watch out for your smile.

Ready to schedule your gingival flap surgery? Contact us to get started.
