Are your gums bleeding when you brush? Do they appear red and swollen? These symptoms may indicate periodontal disease, a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and affect your overall health. At Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, we believe in preserving your natural teeth – your “original equipment” – for life. When advanced periodontal disease requires surgical intervention, our expert team offers flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery) to effectively treat the condition and restore your oral health.
We are a minimally invasive dental practice focused on prevention as the primary approach to help you maintain optimal oral health. However, when more advanced treatment is necessary, our highly skilled periodontist Dr. Michelle Kamel provides exceptional surgical care using the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best possible outcomes.
What Is Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)?
Flap surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery or osseous surgery, is a specialized periodontal procedure designed to treat moderate to severe gum disease. This surgical intervention becomes necessary when periodontal pockets – spaces between your teeth and gums – become too deep for non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing to be effective.
When bacteria and plaque accumulate beneath your gumline, they cause inflammation that leads to the breakdown of the supporting structures around your teeth. As this process continues, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria can collect.
The primary goals of flap surgery are to:
- Eliminate bacteria and infection from beneath your gums
- Reduce the depth of periodontal pockets
- Smooth irregular bone surfaces
- Create an environment where your gums can reattach to healthy bone
- Prevent further progression of periodontal disease
These objectives all support our mission of helping you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.
When Is Flap Surgery Necessary?
At Dental West NYC, we always begin with the most conservative treatment options. However, flap surgery may be recommended when:
- Your periodontal pockets measure greater than 5 millimeters in depth
- Non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing haven’t been effective
- Infection has progressed to cause bone loss around your teeth
During your comprehensive examination, Dr. Kamel will use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth. Healthy gums fit snugly around teeth with pocket depths of 1-3 millimeters. Deeper pockets indicate periodontitis and may signal the need for surgical intervention.
The Flap Surgery Procedure at Dental West NYC
At Dental West NYC, your comfort and care are our top priorities. Here’s what you can expect during your flap surgery procedure:
Before the Procedure
We’ll take detailed measurements of your periodontal pockets and may take digital x-rays if needed. We take x-rays only when necessary – typically every 2-2.5 years rather than annually. Our digital x-ray technology ensures minimal radiation exposure.
During the Procedure
Your procedure will be performed in our comfortable Upper West Side office:
- We’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area completely.
- Dr. Kamel will carefully make small incisions in your gum tissue and gently lift it away from your teeth, creating a “flap” that allows access to the roots and surrounding bone.
- Once the roots are exposed, we’ll remove all plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the root surfaces and periodontal pockets.
- If your bone has been damaged, Dr. Kamel will carefully smooth and reshape these areas.
- After cleaning and reshaping, your gum tissue will be positioned back against your teeth and secured with small stitches that typically dissolve on their own.
The entire procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on how many areas of your mouth require treatment.
After the Procedure
Following your surgery, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize discomfort. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days, though complete healing of the gums may take several weeks.
Benefits of Flap Surgery at Dental West NYC
When performed by our experienced periodontist Dr. Kamel, flap surgery offers numerous benefits:
Elimination of Infection
By accessing the deep areas beneath your gums, we can thoroughly remove the bacteria and toxins that cause inflammation and bone loss.
Reduced Pocket Depths
Smaller, manageable pocket depths make daily oral hygiene more effective and help prevent future reinfection.
Preserved Natural Teeth
By addressing the causes of periodontal disease, we can help you maintain your natural teeth rather than requiring extraction and replacement.
Better Overall Health
Research has linked periodontal disease to various systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Treating gum disease may reduce these associated health risks.
Advanced Technology for Superior Results
At Dental West NYC, we complement traditional periodontal surgery with state-of-the-art laser technology. Our advanced laser equipment allows us to perform more precise tissue manipulation, reduce bleeding, promote faster healing with less discomfort, and enhance the body’s natural healing response.
Maintaining Your Results: Long-term Periodontal Health
Successful treatment of periodontal disease requires a partnership between you and our dental team. After your flap surgery, we’ll work with you to establish an effective maintenance program that includes:
- Regular periodontal maintenance visits every 3-4 months
- Enhanced home care with proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Ongoing monitoring to catch any signs of recurring disease early
These measures help ensure the long-term success of your treatment and the continued health of your gums and teeth.
Why Choose Dental West NYC for Your Periodontal Care?
Our practice philosophy centers on minimally invasive, preventive dentistry using the most advanced technology. Our team includes Dr. Leora Walter, a surgically trained prosthodontist, and Dr. Michelle Kamel, who graduated with honors in Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry and received extensive post-doctorate training in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease. Early intervention may help you avoid the need for more extensive periodontal treatments. However, if you require flap surgery, rest assured that at Dental West NYC, you’ll receive the highest quality care in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Contact us today at (212) 580-4520 or book your appointment online to take the first step toward restoring your periodontal health and preserving your natural teeth for years to come. We offer free fluoride treatments during cleanings and use our advanced technology to provide you with the best possible care.
Dr. Leora Walter is a surgically trained prosthodontist and an elite dentists, with an expertise in cosmetic procedures at Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
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