Gum disease is often caused by plaque and calculus remaining on the teeth and below the gum line for too long. Plaque and calculus contain high amounts of bacteria that can worsen the infection of the gum tissue and lead to bone and tooth loss. If you have developed an advanced stage of gum disease, Dr. Preethy Jacob Kunthara may recommend flap surgery to remove deposits of plaque and calculus from below the gum line.
To perform flap surgery, our dentist will make incisions in the gum line to fold back the gums (this section is referred to as the “flap”), exposing the tooth root and the jawbone. Dr. Preethy Jacob Kunthara will then clean out the root area, removing any inflamed gum tissue, plaque, or calculus, and suture the gum flap back into place. Flap surgery may be paired with bone treatment to repair bone defects and rebuild damaged bone beneath the gums.
Flap surgery is typically recommended for patients whose gum disease has progressed beyond non-surgical treatment and whose oral hygiene is still good. To learn more about the process of flap surgery in Gilbert and Chandler, Arizona, call 480-833-0880 and arrange a visit to Simon Dental Care to speak with our dentist. We would love to hear from you!