Flap Surgery

When deep pockets between teeth and gums (6 millimeters or deeper) are present, it is difficult for a dentist to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar. Gum flap surgery is a procedure where the gum flap is lifted away from the tooth. Diseased tissue and sometimes bone is removed. The rough surfaces of the tooth are then smoothed by root planing. The area is medicated and the gum flap is replaced and sutured allowing the bone and gum tissue to heal.

One of the goals of gum flap surgery is to reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets to make them easier to keep clean.

Research has shown that gum disease can influence heart disease and other health conditions in negative ways. They suggest that gum disease could be a more serious factor in heart disease than smoking, cholesterol, hypertension, or age. One reason for this is that the bacteria found in diseased gums can come loose and move throughout the body. When this bacteria reaches arteries, it can cause arterial plaque to build up and harden, negatively affecting blood flow.