Gingival Flap Surgery is a type of gum procedure. In this procedure, a dentist separates the gum from the tooth and folds it back in order to reach the root of the tooth and the bone. Flap surgery is often recommended to people with moderate and advanced periodontitis. In the initial stages of periodontitis, scaling and root planning is performed on the patient. If this treatment fails to eliminate the gum infection, then the flap surgery comes into the picture. In the surgery, a periodontist cleans the roots of a tooth and repairs the bone damage caused by gum diseases.

Dr Sanjay Kalra’s Multispecialty Dental Clinic, best dentist in Panchkula, will illustrate when one might need a flap surgery:

➢ Reasons You Would Need a Flap Surgery

Gum diseases are often painless, and if symptoms are not attended initially, it can lead to advanced periodontitis. The symptoms include:

i. Swollen, red or bleeding gums
ii. Gums that move away from teeth
iii. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in mouth
iv. Loose teeth
v. Visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums

Consult a periodontist if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are evident in your mouth or teeth. A periodontist will go for a non-surgical treatment; if the problem persists he/she will go for flap surgery.

➢How is a flap surgery performed?

Your periodontist will first work on your oral hygiene by cleaning plaque and tartar from around your teeth. After numbing the area, he/she will use a scalpel to separate gums from teeth. The gums will then be lifted or folded back to form a flap. In this way, your periodontist can have access to the roots of your tooth and bones supporting it directly. He/she will then remove inflamed tissue from between the teeth and from any holes in the bone. Plaque and tartar are then cleaned with a procedure called scaling and root planning.

After ensuring that the plaque has been removed from the teeth, gums are then stitched back in place. Some stitches dissolve on their own while some need to get removed after a week or 10 days. The periodontist covers the surgical site with a bandage which is called periodontal pack or dressing.

You may feel minor discomfort after the surgery which can be relieved with pain killers. However, it is always suggested that precaution is better than cure, maintain your oral hygiene so as to avoid such a situation. In case of gums depigmentation in Chandigarh, follow three simple steps to ensure healthy mouth and teeth. First, brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Second, use an anti-bacterial mouthwash and toothpaste to kill bacteria. Third, visit your dentist twice in a year for a general checkup and cleaning.

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