When a person has suffered from gum disease for a considerable period of time, the bacteria that causes this disease has had a chance to attack the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. This happens when gum disease becomes advanced. At this point, advanced gum disease is referred to as periodontal disease and it calls for more advanced treatment.
In periodontal disease, the gum tissue will pull away from the teeth, leaving deepening pockets around the teeth. Bacteria can easily colonize these pockets. Once bacteria have established themselves in these pockets, it becomes difficult or impossible to clean them out. Even a professional cleaning may not be able to clean them out. This bacteria begins to damage the bone, further deepening the pockets.
It then becomes necessary to reshape both the gum and the bone to deprive the bacteria of any pockets in which they can grow. The procedure to reshape the gum tissue and underlying bone is referred to as osseous surgery or pocket reduction surgery. It is one type of periodontal surgery.
At StarBrite Dental, we have gathered experts in many dental specialties so you can get the best treatment to preserve your teeth and gums. You can trust your dentist at StarBrite Dental to recommend osseous surgery when it is the right action to help you retain every one of your natural teeth.
