A visit to the dentist can be a hassle, many fear the diagnosis they will be given or its treatment options. However, this shouldn’t be the case, remember dentists are responsible people, who want to help you take care of your teeth, protect your gums and have a healthy smile.
In a recent post we learn the importance of having healthy gums; Gum Disease, is an oral infection that can affect us all. The infection can be anything from a simple gum inflammation to a serious infection. To treat gum infections, dentists have developed several treatment options; when the disease is in its early stages, your dentist might recommend: Scaling and Root Planing. However, when gum disease continuously affect the gums and is not stopped during the Deep Cleaning process; your periodontist might recommend Flap Surgery.
Dental Treatment: Flap Surgery
When gum disease is severe, your dentist might recommend an oral surgery to treat the infected area; the surgery is, Flap Surgery.
This surgical procedure is to be performed by a gum specialist (periodontist); before the surgery begins, he/she will apply local anesthetic, numbing the area where the doctor will work on and its surroundings.
Afterwards your periodontist will use a scalpel to separate the gums from the teeth. This technique will give the periodontist direct access to the roots and bone structures that are infected with plaque or tartar. The periodontist will evaluate and examine the inflamed tissue; this damage tissue will then be removed.
If during the surgical procedure your periodontist detects bone defects; he will smoothen the edges of your teeth, making it harder for bacteria to regrow and infected your gums. This procedure is called osseous recontouring.
Once the infected area has been cleaned and the periodontist determines that your gums are plaque-free, the gums will be placed back against the teeth and stitched in place. Depending on the dental clinic, one of two types of stiches could be used:
- Stitches that dissolve on their own
- Stitches that have to be removed 7 ~ 10 days later
In addition, after the surgery the periodontist will also advice you the medication you must take, it is important that you follow his instructions to avoid any side effects.
What to Expect and Affects after Surgery
After the oral surgery has been performed, it normally takes only a few days to recover from. Some of the risk involved with this oral procedure is bleeding and swelling.
As mention it is important that you follow the instructions offer to you, by the dentist. In case, our periodontist will offer you the following suggestions:
- Change gauze pads
- Do not do any strenuous physical activity (this reduces bleeding)
- Do not lie flat
- Eat soft foods during the healing process
- If you smoke – stop or reduce the amount of cigarettes consume.
- In the present of pain or swelling (use ice or a cold pack to relieve pain)
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (this reduces swelling and relieves pain)
- Take the prescribed painkillers
- When brushing your teeth, do it in a gently to avoid bleeding
After the surgery, your teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold for a few weeks. If you feel mild to moderate discomfort, your periodontist will prescribe medicine to control the pain.
While the surgical site is healing, it is important that you keep your mouth as clean as possible; if not keep properly clean you may once again develop gum disease.
Take Care of Your Smile at Huangshan Dental
We invite you to consider Huangshan Dental for high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective dental care abroad.
Huangshan International Dental Hospital is a specialized dental institution based in Anhui, China, and has become a recognized destination for international patients seeking efficient and reliable implant treatment. By operating an in-house AI-powered dental lab, the hospital is able to provide same-day implants while maintaining strict quality control and significantly reducing treatment costs. This integrated approach allows patients to access advanced implant solutions that are both reliable and reasonably priced.
Supported by a highly experienced clinical team trained in China and overseas, each implant specialist at Huangshan Dental has completed over 10,000 successful procedures. Through long-term collaboration with RES Dental in the United States, international clinical expertise is continuously incorporated into daily practice. Dedicated operating rooms and a three-tier preoperative examination system further ensure treatment safety and consistency.
Patients can complete treatment on the same day of arrival, recover efficiently, and enjoy the natural scenery of Huangshan during their stay. For consultations or more information, please visit huangshandental.com or contact [email protected]
