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Osseous surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery, is a periodontal procedure designed to eliminate the deep pockets that form between your teeth and gums when gum disease advances. During the procedure, your provider folds back gum tissue, removes disease-causing bacteria, and reshapes the underlying bone so that healthy tissue can reattach to the tooth. The result is a cleaner, more stable foundation that is far easier to maintain with daily brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings.
Not all cases of gum disease require surgery. For many patients, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is enough to bring the condition under control. However, when periodontal pockets measure 5 millimeters or deeper and do not respond adequately to non-surgical treatment, osseous surgery becomes the appropriate next step. Left untreated, advanced periodontitis can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, and eventually tooth loss, making timely intervention essential. Signs you may benefit from osseous surgery include persistent bleeding gums, deep pocketing identified at a periodontal exam, visible bone loss on X-rays, or gum tissue that has already begun to pull away from your teeth.
The procedure begins with local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout. Your provider then makes a small incision in the gum tissue and gently folds it back to access the roots of the affected teeth and the underlying bone. Any calcified deposits and bacterial buildup are carefully removed from the root surfaces. In cases where the bone has developed irregular contours due to disease, the bone is reshaped to eliminate areas where bacteria can re-accumulate. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned and reshaped, the gum tissue is sutured back into place, typically at a position that reduces pocket depth and promotes healthy tissue reattachment.Â
Osseous surgery is one part of a broader approach to managing gum disease treatment in Chicago. Before surgery is ever considered, your provider will complete a full periodontal evaluation, take diagnostic X-rays, and review your response to any prior non-surgical therapy. After surgery, the focus shifts to a structured maintenance schedule, typically periodontal cleanings every three to four months, to preserve the results achieved and monitor for any recurrence. Depending on your unique situation, other procedures such as a gum graft or crown lengthening may be recommended alongside osseous surgery to fully restore the health and appearance of your gum line. At Dental Group of Chicago, all of this care is coordinated and delivered in-house, minimizing the need for referrals and keeping your treatment plan streamlined from start to finish.
Most patients experience mild soreness and some swelling in the days following osseous surgery, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and cold compresses as directed. You will be asked to follow a soft-food diet for the first week and to avoid vigorous rinsing or strenuous activity immediately after the procedure. Proper oral hygiene remains critical during healing; your provider will give you specific instructions on how to clean the treated area safely. Sutures are generally removed within one to two weeks, and most patients notice a significant reduction in pocket depth and gum inflammation by the time of their follow-up visit. Smoking significantly impairs healing after periodontal surgery and increases the risk of recurrence, so quitting or pausing tobacco use before and after the procedure is strongly encouraged.
Dental Group of Chicago brings together a team of highly trained providers who handle a broad range of periodontal and surgical procedures in one convenient South Loop location. The practice is in-network with most PPO insurance plans, making access to necessary care more straightforward for Chicago patients. Hours extending through evenings Monday through Friday and on Saturdays mean you can schedule treatment around work and family obligations, not the other way around. Because care is delivered in-house across general dentistry, periodontics, oral surgery, and more, your treatment team communicates directly and your records stay in one place. Whether you are addressing osseous surgery for the first time or returning for ongoing periodontal care maintenance, Dental Group of Chicago provides the continuity and clinical depth to support your long-term gum health.
Have questions about osseous surgery in Chicago? Below are answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask before their procedure.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain while your provider is working. Afterward, some tenderness and mild swelling are normal and typically peak within the first two to three days. Most patients find this easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relief and do not find the recovery to be as uncomfortable as they expected going in.
That depends on how many areas of your mouth need treatment. When only one quadrant is involved, the appointment generally runs between one and two hours. Because the mouth is divided into four quadrants, more extensive cases are usually staged across multiple visits. This gives each treated area time to heal before the next section is addressed, and it keeps each appointment at a manageable length.
Most PPO dental insurance plans include coverage for osseous surgery when it is clinically necessary, which it typically is when pocket depths and bone loss have progressed beyond what a deep cleaning can address. Dental Group of Chicago is in-network with most major PPO plans, and our team will review your benefits and walk you through your out-of-pocket costs before any treatment begins so there are no surprises.
The providers at Dental Group of Chicago are committed to delivering high-quality periodontal care in a welcoming, efficient environment. Whether you are coming in for an initial evaluation or ready to move forward with treatment, our team will ensure you have the information and support you need at every step. We offer flexible scheduling including evenings and Saturdays to fit your life.
Gum disease treatment, deep cleanings, and periodontal care at our South Loop office are planned and delivered by these doctors.
30+ years in Chicago, with advanced continuing education across cosmetic and restorative techniques.
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Dual DDS/DMD trained, with a focus on preventive care, gum health, and patient education.
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Chicago, IL 60605
Monday – Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8 AM – 8 PM
8 AM – 2 PM
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