Your gum health protects more than just your smile. When periodontal disease advances, it creates pockets between your gums and teeth where bacteria multiply and damage the bone supporting your teeth. Osseous surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery, removes diseased tissue and reshapes the bone to restore a healthier environment for your gums and teeth.
At Dental Group of Chicago, we offer osseous surgery as part of our periodontal care services to help you preserve your natural teeth and rebuild a strong foundation for your oral health. Our team uses precise surgical techniques to eliminate infection and create conditions where your gums can properly reattach to your teeth. This procedure can stop the progression of bone loss and give you the best chance at maintaining your natural smile for years to come.
What Osseous Surgery Treats
Osseous surgery becomes necessary when gum disease reaches an advanced stage. Research shows chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States, and it can lead to progressive tissue and bone loss. When routine cleanings and scaling procedures no longer control the infection, surgery may be able to eliminate deep pockets and save your teeth.
The procedure addresses several serious issues. Deep periodontal pockets trap bacteria and food particles where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach them. The infection destroys the bone around your tooth roots, creating an unstable foundation. Without treatment, this bone loss continues until teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Osseous surgery removes the infected tissue and reshapes the uneven bone surfaces so your gums can heal properly against your teeth.
Candidates for osseous surgery typically have pocket depths of 5 millimeters or more that haven’t responded to non-surgical treatments. You might also benefit if you have significant bone loss visible on x-rays or persistent bleeding and inflammation despite regular professional cleanings.
The Osseous Surgery Procedure at Dental Group of Chicago
We start by numbing the treatment area completely so you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. After the anesthesia takes effect, we gently separate your gum tissue from your teeth to access the roots and underlying bone. This allows us to see exactly where disease has damaged the supporting structures.
Next, we thoroughly clean all bacterial deposits and infected tissue from the tooth roots. We remove diseased gum tissue and reshape any irregular bone surfaces that harbor bacteria. The goal is to create smooth, even contours that discourage bacterial growth and make it easier for you to keep the area clean after healing.
In some cases, we may apply bone grafting material or regenerative membranes to encourage new bone growth in areas with significant loss. We then reposition your gum tissue at a lower level that eliminates the deep pockets, securing it with small sutures. The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on how many areas need treatment.
Recovering From Osseous Surgery
You can expect some swelling and discomfort for the first few days after surgery, which you can manage with prescribed pain medication and ice packs. Most patients take a few days off from work to rest, though you may feel ready to return sooner if your job isn’t physically demanding.
Your diet matters during the first week. Stick to soft, cool foods and avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or hot. Good choices include:
- Smoothies and protein shakes
- Yogurt and pudding
- Mashed potatoes and soft pasta
- Scrambled eggs
- Soup at room temperature
We’ll schedule a follow-up visit about a week after surgery to check your healing and remove any sutures. Full healing takes several months as your gums reattach to your teeth and bone regenerates in treated areas. During this time, you’ll follow a modified oral hygiene routine that we’ll teach you, which starts gently and gradually returns to normal as you heal.
Long-term success depends on excellent home care and regular professional cleanings. We typically recommend cleanings every three months after osseous surgery to help you maintain the results and catch any early signs of returning disease.
Life After Osseous Surgery
Most patients notice healthier, firmer gums within a few months of surgery. The elimination of deep pockets makes daily cleaning more effective, reducing bleeding and inflammation. You may be able to keep your natural teeth that would have otherwise been lost to advancing disease.
The procedure changes how you care for your teeth. You’ll likely use smaller brushes to clean between your teeth and may need special tools to reach areas that are now more exposed. We’ll show you the most effective techniques for your specific situation. Many patients find these new cleaning methods easier than trying to manage deep, infected pockets.
Your commitment to regular cleanings and home care determines whether the surgery provides lasting benefits. Periodontal disease can return if bacteria accumulate again, so staying consistent with your oral hygiene routine protects your investment in this treatment.
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity after surgery because more of the tooth root is exposed. This usually improves over time, and we can recommend products to help manage any discomfort. The cosmetic appearance of your gums may also change slightly as they heal at their new, healthier position.
Advanced Periodontal Care at Dental Group of Chicago
We offer comprehensive periodontal treatments at our South Loop location with convenient hours designed to fit your schedule. Our extended availability from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday appointments means you can get the specialized care you need without disrupting your work week. We accept most major insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, and BlueCross BlueShield, and our team will help you maximize your benefits.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of advanced gum disease like persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or bleeding gums, schedule a consultation to discuss whether osseous surgery might help preserve your smile. The sooner you address bone loss, the better your chances of keeping your natural teeth. Contact us today to take the first step toward healthier gums.
