Open flap debridement

Tandzorg Chirurgie

Sometimes there are still deep pockets with persistent inflammation after periodontal procedures performed by the dental hygienist. These pockets can be cleaned by the dental surgeon by means of exposing the gums to get better access to the inflamed areas.

Home Behandelingen Open flap debridement

Treatment

Using local anesthesia, the dental surgeon makes an incision in the gums to expose the roots and the jaw bones. This way the area is better accessible for scaling and root planning. The inflamed tissue is then removed and the root surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. The gums are then placed back and sutured.

After care

After the surgery

After the gum surgery, the area should not be cleaned with a toothbrush, brush or toothpick until the stitches are removed, as this might cause damage. Rinsing with chlorhexidine inhibits bacterial growth until the stitches are removed. Of course, the other areas in the mouth must be cleaned in the usual way.

Sensitive gums
After the surgery, the teeth may temporarily be more sensitive to stimuli such as cold, warm, sweet, sour or touching because of exposure of a piece of the root.

Loose teeth
In the period right after the surgery, the teeth may become mobile. This is a normal temporary reaction to postoperative swelling of the tissue until the gums are tight around the roots again.