Periodontal Flap Surgery: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Periodontal Flap Surgery is a surgical treatment procedure to treat periodontal diseases or diseases of the teeth and gums in advanced stages when simpler procedures like scaling are no longer sufficient to prevent the spreading damage. A Flap Surgery is one of the top methods for correcting and treating pockets caused by Periodontitis.

When the periodontal pockets develop for the first time methods such as scaling and cleaning are adopted but when these methods fail the flap surgery is then considered. In advanced stages of gum diseases, gum tissues just below the gumline become diseased and detach from the tooth. This creates a pocket like space which cannot be cleaned easily and becomes a breeding ground for infectious bacteria. If a bacterial infection occurs, the gum tissues become inflamed, sensitive, and painful. If the condition is left untreated, it may progress to gum bleeding, gum diseases, loss of tooth supporting bones, and even conditions affecting the whole body in rare cases.

Scaling of teeth to remove accumulated particles and infectious bacteria is the primary approach towards treating periodontal or gum diseases. If scaling is ineffective, flap surgery is performed. Periodontal flap surgery serves an indirect role in curing a periodontal disease by creating a suitable oral environment to treat and cure periodontal and other oral conditions.

Periodontal flap surgery is a simple procedure performed under local anesthesia or general sedation. Either a surgeon or a periodontist will carry out the surgical procedure. A small cut is made on the gumline to create a flap which is pulled back slightly to allow access to the small pocket that has developed just underneath due to separation of diseased gum tissues from the tooth, as well as to the tooth root and supporting bones underneath. At this stage, further treatment is guided by the condition the patient is suffering from. The roots may be cleaned of all accumulated particles called plaque and tartar. If an infection has developed, antibiotics or other medications may be used to treat the affected area. If bone or ligament loss has occurred, approaches to restore the connective tissues may be followed, including bone graft, barrier membranes, or chemicals called growth factors. These methods help to restore the damaged and lost alveolar bones and periodontal ligaments. Once the treatment is completed, the flap is put back and the incision is closed with the help of sewing. The area will be coated with gauze in order to prohibit the flow of bleeding

Periodontal flap surgery is performed for those in whom the gum disease has reached an advanced stage and scaling can no longer remove significant amounts of plaque. It is also performed for those in whom the periodontal disease has resulted in loss of bony supporting structure of the teeth and a risk of tooth loss has developed.

Flap surgery is not required for those in early stages of gum conditions, where scaling and maintaining good oral hygiene is sufficient to take care of the gum disease. It is also not recommended for people suffering from conditions that contraindicate surgery, for example, bleeding disorders.

Very few side effects are associated with periodontal flap surgery, and that too in extremely rare cases.

Post treatment guidelines indicate maintaining proper oral hygiene by brusing teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, rinsing mouth properly after every meal, etc. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping the mouth clean plays an important role in preventing tooth and gum diseases.

Complete recovery from the condition takes place in about two weeks after successful surgery.

Cost of periodontal flap surgery in India starts from Rs. 2,000, and may go up to Rs. 10,000 or higher depending on the procedures performed, including cleaning, bone grafting, etc.

Results of the treatment are usually permanent if a proper oral hygiene is maintained or other diseases do not affect periodontal health.

Alternative treatments include antibacterial mouthwashes to keep the mouth clean, herbal medications and toothpastes, and various home remedies like clove oil. Clove oil is used as a remedy for all problems affecting the mouth and gums.