Osseous Surgery in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Osseous surgery is performed when traditional treatments are unsuccessful in correcting the periodontitis, such as scaling and root planing. Osseous surgery involves the removing or recontouring of damaged tissue and bone to reduce pockets, which eliminates bacteria, and to smooth bone that has been damaged. Osseous surgery allows for the gum tissue to reattach to the bone, which then prevents additional damage from occurring and stops the decaying process.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Osseous Surgery
As with any medical treatment, there are advantages and disadvantages to having osseous surgery. In some cases, LANAP, laser dentistry, might be a better treatment option for you, depending upon your specific situation. One of the most common visual drawbacks you may notice is that your teeth will seem to appear longer. While osseous surgery at PerioImplant Associates can alter the appearance of your smile, your gums will be returned and restored to their natural, healthier state.
The Advantages of having Osseous Surgery:
- It is the most successful option for treating advanced periodontal disease.
- The pocket depths are reduced, which decreases the likelihood of additional plaque and bacteria from developing.
- Your healthy gum tissue is preserved.
- You can now brush areas that were inaccessible before having the surgery.
- Your gums will stop bleeding.
- Your family and friends will appreciate your fresher breath.
- It will significantly reduce the likelihood of any future infection developing, providing you practice and maintain good oral self-care habits moving forward.
The Disadvantages of having Osseous Surgery:
- Your teeth might appear slightly longer.
- There is the likelihood or probability of increased tooth sensitivity.
- It comes with a longer and more extensive recovery as compared to LANAP.
- It is often not able to address certain pockets that can only be treated properly with LANAP.
Osseous Surgery Procedural Expectations
Periodontitis is a quite common inflammatory condition of the gum tissue surrounding your teeth. If the disease is left untreated, periodontitis will cause the development of several problems, such as swelling and bleeding gums, or causing your gums to recede. Failing to treat periodontitis over a period of time will result in the decay and deterioration of your jawbone and even result in the loss of some teeth.
Prior to your procedure beginning, PerioImplant Associates will first administer a local anesthetic. Once the tissue of the affected area is sufficiently numbed, a small incision will be made in your gum and pulled back to access the root of the tooth and the surrounding bone. With the root and bone accessible, we will remove the source of the infection by scraping off damaging deposits of plaque and tartar that have formed on the root surface and then recontour and trim the bone. For a more advanced case of periodontitis, a bone graft or guided tissue regeneration might need to be placed at this time. Once this is complete, your gum tissue will be reattached, and your healing process will begin.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
Osseous Surgery Aftercare
Following your osseous surgery, it is important to follow PerioImplant Associates post-operative instructions. If we have prescribed any medication or antibiotics for you, follow the recommended dosage instructions to completion. If you are not prescribed any medication but experience some discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers should usually help manage the discomfort. Some swelling is also common, but this can be managed with the use of ice packs. If you follow these instructions, your recovery process will go quickly. We will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that all has progressed according to your personal treatment plan.
Once you have finished your recovery process, it will no longer be necessary to follow any special aftercare instructions, although it is essential to be aware of the causes that necessitated this procedure in the first place. It is imperative that you continue to exercise good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice a day and compliment your efforts with regular six-month checkups with PerioImplant Associates, at which time we will ensure that your teeth receive professional cleanings, which will reduce or eliminate your risk of developing more gingivitis or periodontitis. The frequency of your exams may increase until you have fully corrected your periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a healthy smile for many years.
The Cost of Your Osseous Surgery
The cost of your osseous surgery will vary depending on your specific situation and your personal treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your osseous surgery treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your oral health situation.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one singular focus, and that is to serve you. It is quite common to be apprehensive or anxious about visiting a general dentist, or even a periodontist. Understanding those feelings, we will always take the time necessary to explain the benefits of your procedure that is being proposed. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are completely trained to address any of your dental issues and concerns. We will explain the aspects of your periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain any office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for an osseous surgery procedure for you. Each of us are anxious to greet you and send you home with a healthy smile that you will be eager to share.