Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery, sometimes referred to as pocket reduction surgery or gingivectomy, refers to a number of different surgeries aimed at gaining access to the tooth roots to remove tartar and disease-causing bacteria.
Goals of Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is used to reshape deformities and remove pockets in the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth. It is a common necessity in effective treatment of more advanced periodontal diseases. The ultimate goal of osseous surgery is to reduce or eliminate the periodontal pockets that cause periodontal disease. Despite the word “surgery” the procedure is reported to feel more like a thorough cleaning. The specific goals of surgery include:
- Reducing Bacterial Spread:
Bacteria from the mouth can spread throughout the body and cause other life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and respiratory disease. Removing deep tartar and thereby bacteria can help reduce the risk of bacteria spreading. - Preventing Bone Loss:
The immune system’s inflammatory response prompted by periodontal bacteria can lead to bone loss in the jaw region, and cause teeth to fall out. Osseous surgery seeks to stop periodontal disease before it progresses to this level. - Enhancing the Smile:
Mouths plagued with periodontal disease are often unsightly. Brown gums, rotting teeth, and ridge indentations can leave a person feeling depressed and too self-conscious to smile. Fortunately, osseous surgery can help reduce bacteria and disease and thereby restore your mouth to its former radiance, while restoring confidence at the same time. - Facilitating Home Care:
As the gum pocket deepens, it can become nearly impossible to brush and floss adequately. Osseous surgery reduces pocket size, making it easier to brush and floss, and thereby prevent further periodontal disease.
What does the procedure entail?
A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area prior to surgery. First, Dr. Urling will cut around each tooth of the affected area to release the gum tissue from the bone. This allows access to the bone and roots of the teeth. After the roots have been thoroughly cleaned through scaling, a drill and hand tools will be used to reshape the bone around the teeth. Bone is removed in some areas to restore the normal rise and fall of the bone, but at a lower level. Bone grafting may also be necessary to fill in large defects.
Next, the gums will be placed back over the remaining bone and suture them in place. The site will also be covered with a bandage (periodontal pack) or dressing. Pain medicine and mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine are generally prescribed following the surgery.
Do not be alarmed if bleeding and swelling occur after the surgery. This can be controlled easily by placing an ice pack on the outside of the affected area. In cases where the bleeding and swelling is in excess, it is advised that you call to notify our office. Several follow up visits may be necessary and you must fulfill a meticulous maintenance program especially during the initial phases of healing to avoid post-operative infectio n.
W. Philip Urling, D.D.S.
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
As a teenager growing up in the Caribbean I was treated by an "orthodontist" who turned out to have not graduated from any dental school. His treatments did damage to my gums and bite and needless to say the office visits were dreaded. I put off dealing with these issues for close to 50 years. I feel so fortunate to now be under the care of Dr Urling where he is performing periodontal surgeries to save my teeth. He and his entire staff could not be more professional and caring. Dr Urling calls you at home the night after surgeries to check in and then again the next day. Dr Urling also does esthetic tooth reshaping which greatly improved the look of my malaligned teeth.I can not say enough about this team.Please feel free to use me as a reference and to give my phone number should someone like to speak in person. Thank you for all you do! 100 stars!
- Jane R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
+10 times My first feeling when a see the initials D.D.S. is run the other way. However I was in for a surprise. From the moment I was greeted by the Receptionist, I felt my dental issues were going to be addressed properly. The staff was so accommodating, kind, friendly. Then it was time to have a Seat. The Hygienist Nicole welcomed me (great tender hands), x-rays were taken and updated. I did not feel any discomfort during my treatment. Dr. Urling walked in and said "You are in good hands, we will address your concerns and you will leave with a Big Smile today!" Then an extra warm cozy blanket and enjoy the ride... Thank you Doctor Urling, I look forward to my next visit for future preventive treatments and to continue to benefit from your excellent work. I will highly recommend you to my husband, family, friends and anyone that would like Professional and Personal attention. I did leave with that BIG SMILE on!!! www.wtbyperio.com
- Elida C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent. Best dental experience I’ve had in my life.
- Ross C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was my 2nd visit with Dr. Urling and again I must say I was very pleased with the visit. Dr. Urling (let's not forget about Kelly) made me feel very comfortable. However, this visit was simply a check but turned into the 2nd part of my procedure. I thought I was going to have this done weeks later but Dr. Urling was very confident in his decision with doing the 2nd part today. With that being said, it made me feel comfortable with moving forward. I say this very profoundly: He is the BEST dentist I have been to thus far. I would recommend him to any one who is having a simple or complex procedure done on their mouth.
- K E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
a nice doctor friendly easy going laid back i would give him 10 stars if i could / i freak easy he was claiming assuring ********** = 10 stars
- mary
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was here to get some wisdom teeth extracted and the staff is amazing!! Especially Cindy she made me feel very comfortable with it being my first time in the office! She was friendly, kind and had a very welcoming personality! The doctor was genuinely concerned about my comfort and making sure I was ok! This office is amazing they are professional and friendly five stars!
- Kadiajah W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Urling explained everything in detail. The procedures were done professionally and results were successful. The staff was extremely pleasant and helpful. They all seemed like they enjoyed their jobs. Nice environment.
- David B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am very satisfied with every part of this office. Patient care is their priority. I would highly recommend Dr. Urling to anyone in need of periodontal work.
- Doreen W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great doctor and staff , will return for more treatment
- michele S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Looking forward to my next visit!
- Sarah W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Urling is the best. Very friendly and professional.
- Carolina R
