Flap Surgery - A treatment Option for Gum Diseases

Introduction

At times, non-surgical procedures do not aid in treating gum diseases. Surgical intervention in these cases becomes a must to address diseases of the gums. If suffering gums are left as they are, gingivitis and periodontitis may develop. Gingivitis refers to the infection and inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis refers to the infection and inflammation of the gums and dental bone. A case of untreated gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, and after that, a case of untreated periodontitis will eventually lead to tooth loss.

Flap surgeries are thus performed to suppress the aggravation of gum disease. Flap surgery involves the incision of the gums for a direct view of the bone and underlying dental structures. The gums are incised temporarily and can be stitched up simultaneously. The entire procedure takes place under local anesthesia for the patient's comfort and ease of working for the dental surgeon. Advanced stages of periodontitis have no other choice of treatment except flap surgery since there is a greater risk of tooth fall and bone recession. Flap surgeries are the best option to cure and maintain gum disease in case multiple rounds of oral prophylaxis do not give positive results.

When Should Flap Surgery Be Suggested?

Today, flap surgery remains the state-of-the-art treatment procedure for periodontal diseases. Pockets are uncleanable spaces between the gums and the tooth formed by food lodged over a long period. Pockets are magnets for several oral bacteria. Brushing does not help eradicate pockets; thus, the bacteria remain in the same space, multiplying along with the food that has been lodged. Flossing may help drain the pocket but only to some extent. A flap surgery remains the only way to completely repair the formation of pockets and avoid recurrence.

Mentioned below are the clinical manifestations that suggest flap surgery as the treatment modality.

• The foul odor of the oral cavity.

• Bleeding gums.

• Sensitivity.

• Mobile teeth.

• Plaque accumulation.

• Presence of black triangles.

• Inflammation of the gums.

• Redness of the oral mucosa.

• Pain while chewing.

• Sore throat.

• Pain in the jaws.

• Fever.

• Pus discharge from the gums.

• Gums are pulled down, exposing the tooth.

• Increased length of the tooth.

• Alteration in the bite.

• Bad taste.

• Tenderness of the gums.

• Publish the tinge of the gums.

• Headache.

• Lethargy.

• Chipping of calculus.

How Is Flap Surgery Done?

Flap surgery creates a highly successful environment for the betterment of periodontal conditions. Flap surgery is a procedure that does not require a second thought in case the respective dental surgeon has suggested it as a treatment option.

Mentioned below are the steps that occur during the procedure of flap surgery.

• The patient has explained the entire treatment by the dental surgeon.

• Local anesthesia is administered within the quadrant that requires flap surgery.

• Anxiety medications may be administered to relax the patient if the patient is nervous.

• Intravenous sedation is another alternative to local anesthesia.

• A tiny incision is then made on the gums to separate the teeth from the gums.

• The gum is then folded back for proper access and a clear view of the roots of the teeth as well as the ligaments and underlying bone.

• The inflamed tissues are then excised.

• The root of the tooth is then cleaned.

• Antibiotics and other respective medications are placed within the surgical site.

• In case of any bone defect, compatible granting substances are placed.

• Thorough regeneration of the ligament is possible by physical and chemical routes.

• The physical route includes membrane barriers, whereas the chemical method includes growth factors.

• The incision is then stitched, and a sterile dressing is placed.

• The entire procedure is over within two hours.

• The extent of the infection and the amount of inflamed tissue present are factors that judge the time required to complete the flap surgery.

• Any sort of discomfort and pain is addressed through pain medications.

Are There Any Risks of Flap Surgery?

Any surgical procedure has a risk, and so does flap surgery. Any kind of risk is easily avoided if the procedure is done under vigilance and with a team of experienced professionals.

Mentioned below are the risks of flap surgery:

• Sensitivity of the root of the teeth.

• Alteration in the shape of the gums.

• Leaching of bacteria in the bloodstream.

• Cardiovascular infection.

• Decreased immunity of the body.

• Infection.

• Fever.

• Excessive bleeding of the gums.

• Pus discharge from the site of infection.

• Halitosis.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken After a Flap Surgery?

Since surgeries are invasive procedures, several precautions and necessary measures must be taken under consideration by the patient, the patient's family, or the caretaker.

Mentioned below are the several precautions to be taken post-flap surgery.

• Medications must be taken as prescribed by the dental surgeon.

• Warm water and salt rinse must be started only after twenty-four hours of the surgery.

• The saturated gauze should be replaced over time throughout the day.

• Physical activities and strenuous work should be avoided.

• The diet must include soft and liquid food items.

• Non-spicy and non-oily foods should be included in the diet.

• The usage of straws must be avoided to eliminate negative pressure while sucking.

• Smoking must be avoided.

• Tobacco consumption should be restricted.

Conclusion

Flap surgeries are one of the most widely performed periodontal surgeries for enhancing, correcting, and treating inflamed gums. When performed by a well-experienced periodontist, flap surgeries result in amazing and long-lasting results. Flap surgery remains the treatment of choice to maintain oral hygiene and preserve one's teeth. Bone grafting is an addition to flap surgery and is only done in case of a lot of bone loss. A periodontal dressing helps quick recovery after a flap surgery in the initial week. Brushing twice a day and regular flossing are the key factors to preventing gum disease and thus prevail in a healthy and beautiful smile.