Flap Procedure for Gum Disease
A flap procedure cleans the roots of a tooth and repairs bone damage caused by gum disease. You may need surgery for severe gum disease (periodontitis) if it cannot be cured with antibiotics or root planing and scaling.
The flap procedure is necessary when severe gum disease (periodontitis) has damaged the bones that support your teeth.
If you maintain good dental care after the surgery, the flap procedure should help stop your gum disease. Your gums should become pink and healthy again.
Before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the doctor will work on your gums.
What To Expect After Surgery
Typically it takes only a few days to recover from a flap procedure. Be sure to follow the home care instructions that your dentist gives you.
The following are general suggestions to help speed recovery:
• Take painkillers as prescribed.
• After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood.
• Relax after surgery. Strenuous physical activity may increase bleeding.
• Eat soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, or light soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as the area heals.
• Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
• Continue to carefully brush your teeth and tongue.
• Apply an ice or cold pack to the outside of your mouth to help relieve pain and swelling.
• Do not use sucking motions, such as when using a straw to drink.
• Do not smoke.
