At The Clinic for Oral Health in Wahpeton, ND, Dr. Judith Schmidt provides osseous surgery to treat advanced gum disease and restore the foundation of your smile. This procedure, also known as flap surgery, is designed to remove bacteria, reshape damaged bone, and create a healthier environment for the gums and teeth. For patients dealing with chronic periodontitis or bone loss around the teeth, osseous surgery offers a proven solution when nonsurgical methods like deep cleanings are no longer effective. Dr. Schmidt’s general dentistry expertise, coupled with post-graduate surgical training, ensures that each case is managed with care, precision, and a commitment to long-term results.
When Gum Disease Goes Deeper: Recognizing the Signs
Gum disease can progress silently, often causing irreversible damage before symptoms become severe. Patients in need of osseous surgery often present with the following:
- Persistent bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Gum recession exposing the roots
- Chronic bad breath
- Bone loss visible on dental X-rays
- Infections that do not resolve with standard cleanings
If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to consider surgical intervention to stop the disease from advancing further.
Why Osseous Surgery Matters in Dental Healthcare
Osseous surgery is a critical tool in the management of moderate to severe periodontal disease. When plaque and tartar accumulate beneath the gumline and form deep pockets, even the most thorough cleanings can’t reach the infected areas. Over time, this leads to the breakdown of gum tissue and the underlying bone structure that supports the teeth. Without intervention, teeth may loosen, shift, or fall out entirely.
This is where osseous surgery becomes essential. By carefully lifting the gum tissue, Dr. Schmidt can access and remove the hardened calculus and bacteria deep within the periodontal pockets. She also smooths the bone surfaces beneath the gums to remove irregularities caused by infection, reducing the chance of future buildup and making it easier for the gums to reattach.
For healthcare providers, offering osseous surgery represents a commitment to saving natural teeth and protecting patients from the broader health risks of chronic oral infection. Research links gum disease to systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By resolving deep infections at the source, this procedure supports not just oral health, but total body wellness.
Understanding the Need for Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Many patients try to manage gum disease with regular cleanings and better home care. While these methods work for early-stage gingivitis or mild periodontitis, advanced cases require more targeted and aggressive treatment. If deep pockets have formed and bone loss is evident, nonsurgical therapies like scaling and root planing may not be enough.
Osseous surgery allows for thorough decontamination of the affected areas and reshaping of the bone to eliminate hiding spots for bacteria. The result is a more stable environment where the gums can heal and reattach to the tooth surfaces. For patients with mobility in their teeth or recurring infections, this procedure can make the difference between tooth preservation and eventual extraction.
Beyond clinical necessity, osseous surgery can dramatically improve comfort and appearance. It reduces gum swelling, bleeding, and foul odor while restoring a more natural gum line. In Wahpeton, where dental resources may be limited, access to this level of care can be life-changing for those suffering from the effects of long-term periodontal disease.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Osseous Surgery Procedure
Dr. Judith Schmidt ensures that every osseous surgery is approached with meticulous planning and attention to detail. From diagnosis to recovery, each step is designed to maximize healing and long-term success.
Stages of Osseous Surgery Treatment:
- Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation: Dr. Schmidt begins with a full assessment, including periodontal charting and digital imaging to determine the depth of pockets and the extent of bone loss.
- Customized Treatment Planning: A surgical plan is developed based on the areas affected. You’ll receive instructions on preoperative care, medications, and what to expect on the day of surgery.
- Administration of Local Anesthesia: The treatment area is numbed completely to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Sedation options may also be discussed depending on patient anxiety.
- Gum Flap Access and Deep Cleaning: Small incisions are made to lift the gum tissue away from the teeth, exposing the roots and bone. Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from all surfaces.
- Bone Reshaping and Smoothing: Irregular or infected bone tissue is reshaped to eliminate crevices that harbor bacteria. This helps the gum tissue heal more predictably.
- Gum Repositioning and Suturing: The gums are repositioned and sutured tightly to minimize pockets. A dressing may be placed over the surgical site for additional protection.
- Post-Operative Follow-Up and Care: You’ll receive detailed recovery instructions and schedule a follow-up visit to assess healing, remove sutures, and evaluate gum reattachment.
Most patients experience significant improvement in gum health and comfort within a few weeks following surgery.
Preventing Periodontal Disease After Surgery
The key to preventing further periodontal damage lies in consistent care and maintenance. After osseous surgery, patients must commit to excellent oral hygiene habits, including twice-daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and daily flossing to remove plaque from between the teeth. Specialized rinses or prescription toothpaste may also be recommended to control bacterial growth.
Professional cleanings every three to four months are essential to monitor healing and prevent recurrence. Patients should also avoid tobacco products, which significantly hinder gum health and healing. A balanced diet rich in vitamin C, calcium, and anti-inflammatory foods can support tissue regeneration and immunity.
Stress reduction and management of systemic conditions such as diabetes also play a role in gum health. By addressing all contributing factors, patients can extend the benefits of osseous surgery and avoid future complications.
A Healthier Foundation for Long-Term Oral Wellness
Osseous surgery can dramatically change the course of a patient’s oral health. Once deep pockets are eliminated and the gums have reattached, the environment around the teeth becomes much easier to clean and maintain. Patients often report reduced sensitivity, less bleeding, and a marked improvement in breath freshness.
More importantly, preserving the natural dentition through this surgery can prevent the need for more invasive treatments such as extractions or implants. The improved gum structure also provides a more aesthetic appearance and boosts patient confidence. With personalized care from Dr. Judith Schmidt and the team at The Clinic for Oral Health, osseous surgery becomes a vital part of reclaiming long-term dental and systemic health.
Common Questions About Osseous Surgery
Is osseous surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Some mild discomfort or swelling afterward is common but manageable with prescribed medications.
How long is the recovery period?
Most patients recover in about 1 to 2 weeks. You’ll need to follow specific care instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Will my gums grow back after the surgery?
The gums will heal and reattach to the newly contoured bone, but they may appear slightly lower if tissue was previously inflamed or detached.
Can gum disease return after osseous surgery?
Yes, if oral hygiene is not maintained. However, regular care significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.
Is osseous surgery covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for periodontal surgery. We’re happy to review your benefits and provide an estimate.
Reclaim Your Oral Health with Surgical Precision
Don’t let advanced gum disease compromise your comfort or your smile. At The Clinic for Oral Health in Wahpeton, ND, Dr. Judith Schmidt offers expert osseous surgery to help patients overcome periodontal challenges and build a healthier foundation for the future. With careful diagnosis, advanced techniques, and individualized care, we’re committed to protecting your natural teeth and restoring your confidence.
If you’ve been told you have gum disease or are struggling with persistent gum issues, it may be time to explore surgical solutions. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward healthier gums, stronger teeth, and a more confident you.