Flap Surgery

Our mouth is supposed to work in a manner that the bone and gum tissue fits snugly around the teeth. It is much like a tight turtleneck around our neck. When a patient has periodontal disease, this supporting combination of bone and tissue breaks, forming ‘pockets’ around the teeth. Flap surgery is performed to remove tartar from these pockets to prevent diseases.

Why Do You Need Flap Surgery?

These pockets around the teeth grow deeper and provide a larger space for cavities with time. Flap surgery is required to reduce the further spread of the cavity to the rest of the mouth. If neglected, this can lead to further problems like loss of teeth or gum infection in the future.

How is Flap Surgery Done?

  • A gum specialist (periodontist) or an oral surgeon often performs such surgeries.
  • First, the area of surgery is numbed with the help of local anesthesia.
  • Then the doctor will pull back a section of your gums to clean the roots of the teeth and repair damaged bone if required.
  • The gum flap is then sewn back and covered with gauze to stop bleeding.

What Precautions to Take After Flap Surgery

Given below are some general suggestions to help with a speedy recovery:

  • Take medications and painkillers as prescribed by your doctor.
  • After at least 24 hours of the surgery, you can rinse your mouth with warm salted water to reduce swelling and relieve pain several times a day. In the beginning, rinse with a slow mouth movement, gradually going back to rinsing the way you always did.
  • Change cotton pads continuously and do not let them be completely soaked in blood.
  • Refrain from any physical activity for a few days, as it may be dangerous for the surgery.
  • Eat soft foods and warm liquids for a few days like pudding, gelatine, yogurt, or soup. Gradually start eating solid food as the area heals.
  • Prop up your head with pillows and do not lie flat, as it may prolong bleeding.
  • Carefully brush your teeth with a soft and slow movement of the toothbrush. Do not brush roughly, or it may open up the stitched parts.
  • Apply an ice pack on the outside.
  • Do not use sucking motion like when drinking from a straw or eating noodles.
  • Stop smoking during this time.

Dr. Jeanne V. Devi, DDS, and her team of professional dental assistants are here to provide you with the most advanced dental care services, including flap surgery. Call us at (626) 795-2544 or visit our website for more details and scheduling appointments. We are located at 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 603, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Location

595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 603, Pasadena, CA 91101

Phone: (626) 795-2544

Office Hours

MON Closed

TUE - FRI 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

SAT By appointments only.

SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: smile@jeannedevidds.com

Call or Text Us: (626) 795-2544