Gum Flap Surgery, is a type of procedure that is used to treat gum or periodontal disease.Gum tissue and the bone fit snugly on healthy teeth.Periodontal disease, is confirmed when the supporting tissue and bone around the teeth is destroyed, forming "pockets" around the teeth.When gingival disease progresses, these pockets become deeper, providing more space for bacteria to thrive, multiply and encroach deep under the gum tissue. These pockets can ultimately lead to bone and tissue loss. Bacteria under the pockets contribute to tissue inflammation,which often manifests clinically as sensitivity, bleeding, and discomfort.Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will become loose and need to be extracted. Gingival or flap surgery is performed by a Periodontist to treat the gum disease. Flap surgery involves the surgeon folding the gum tissue back, debriding the disease causing bacteria and repositioning the gum into its place.Certain cases may also need the irregular surface of the damaged bone to be smoothened to prevent bacteria from hiding in the crevices helping the gums to snugly reattach to the bone.After the procedure surgeon may cover the area with gauze to stop the bleeding. The entire gumflap surgery is performed under local anesthesia so that patient is pain free.Any minor discomfort after the procedure can be alleviated with pain killers.Gum Flap Surgery is a safe and effective way to treat gum disease.It can help restore the health of your gum as the gums tightly reconnect to the teeth within weeks.Flap gum surgery can also help prevent further damage to your teeth and gums,and eventual tooth loss and can improve the appearance of your smile.

Home care instructions post the gum flap surgery:

• Take the prescribed painkillers and or antibiotics.
• Refrain from smoking.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for few days.
• Change gauze pads as instructed by your surgeon After 24 hours, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Soft diet advised for the first few days and once the area heals can introduce solid foods.
• Prop up your head with pillows to decrease bleeding.
• Brush your teeth and tongue carefully avoiding the surgical area but keeping it clean with the prescribed mouthwash.
• Ice or cold pack application on the cheek can help relieve pain and swelling.
• Refrain from sucking or using straws.
• Attend the post op appointment for suture removal.

• What is the advantage and risks of getting a Gum flap surgery?

• If you maintain good dental care after the surgery, the flap procedure should bring your teeth and gums to a healthy state.Your gums should become pink and healthy again.Clinical effects of gum disease like swollen and discolored gums as well as bad breath can also be reversed, giving you a better quality of life and a confident smile.

• Risks of Gum Flap surgery :

  Sensitivity of your teeth may increase.Gum contour might change.Harmful bacteria introduced during the gum surgery may be harmful to certain individuals if antibiotics are not taken as advised.

• Find out if you are the right candidate for Gum Flap Surgery:

• At Smiline dental hospital, our peridontist can evaluate your dental health and determine whether gingival flap surgery can help you improve the health and look of your smile.To get evaluated for gum disease, call Smiline at + 91 96761 00045 or request an appointment online.