Surgical Treatment for Advanced Gum Disease
If you’re experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, flap surgery—also known as a gingivectomy—may help restore the health of your gums and protect your teeth. At Herriman Heights Dental Care, we perform this advanced procedure at our office located on the border of Herriman and Daybreak, Utah, using modern techniques to improve your long-term oral health.
What Is Flap Surgery?
Flap surgery is a type of periodontal procedure designed to remove bacteria and hardened plaque (calculus) from below the gumline. It is also referred to as pocket reduction surgery or gingivectomy. This treatment is often recommended when deep periodontal pockets form between the gums and teeth, making it difficult to remove infection with regular cleanings alone.
Why Flap Surgery May Be Needed
Gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria that build up around the teeth and beneath the gums. If left untreated, it can lead to inflammation, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss.
Flap surgery may be recommended to:
- Remove deep-seated bacteria and calculus from tooth roots
- Reduce gum pocket depth
- Help stop the spread of infection
- Support healing and prevent further tissue damage
- Improve your ability to clean and care for your teeth at home
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your comfort is a priority. Before the surgery, our dentists will administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Once you’re comfortable, the gums are gently separated from the teeth to access the infected areas beneath. We then remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup using deep cleaning techniques such as scaling and root planing.
After thoroughly cleaning the area, an antimicrobial rinse or medication may be applied to help eliminate any remaining bacteria and promote healing. The gums are then carefully sutured back into position.
Recovery and Aftercare
Some sensitivity or swelling is common in the days following the procedure. Our team will provide instructions on how to care for your gums during the healing period. As healing progresses, gum pockets typically become shallower, and the overall health and appearance of your gums will improve.
Regular dental checkups and consistent oral hygiene are essential to maintaining the results of your treatment.
Schedule a Flap Surgery Consultation in Herriman and Daybreak, Utah
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease and want to explore surgical options, contact Herriman Heights Dental Care today at (385) 361-1652 to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is here to provide clear guidance and professional care from our convenient Herriman–Daybreak location.
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Flap Surgery FAQs
1. What is flap surgery (gingivectomy)?
Flap surgery, also called gingivectomy or pocket reduction surgery, is a periodontal procedure that removes bacteria and hardened plaque from below the gumline. It is often recommended when deep periodontal pockets make infection difficult to remove with regular cleanings alone.
2. Why might flap surgery be needed for gum disease?
Flap surgery may be recommended when harmful bacteria build up around the teeth and beneath the gums. Treatment can help reduce gum pocket depth, control infection, and protect your teeth from further damage linked to periodontal disease.
3. What can flap surgery help treat?
Flap surgery can help treat deep gum pockets, infected areas below the gumline, and hardened plaque on tooth roots. It is designed to support healing, improve gum health, and make daily cleaning at home easier.
4. What happens during a flap surgery procedure?
Before the procedure starts, the treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The gums are gently separated from the teeth so the dentist can remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar with deep cleaning techniques, then the gums are sutured back into place.
5. Is flap surgery painful?
Local anesthesia is used before flap surgery to numb the area being treated. Some patients may have mild sensitivity or swelling after the procedure, and the dental team provides instructions to support healing.
6. What is recovery like after flap surgery?
Some sensitivity or swelling is common in the days after treatment. As healing continues, gum pockets usually become shallower and the overall health and appearance of the gums can improve.
7. How do I care for my gums after flap surgery?
Aftercare includes following the instructions from your dental team during the healing period. Regular dental checkups and consistent oral hygiene are important for maintaining the results of treatment.
8. How do I schedule a flap surgery consultation in Herriman and Daybreak, Utah?
You can contact Herriman Heights Dental Care at (385) 361-1652 to schedule a flap surgery consultation. The office serves patients near Herriman and Daybreak with treatment focused on long-term gum health.