Reduction Surgery

What is osseous surgery or reduction surgery?

When the bone and gums that support your teeth are affected by periodontal disease, this can lead to the formation of a pocket. A pocket is an area of gum tissue that has pulled away from the tooth, allowing bacteria to grow and thrive. Surgery is needed when the pocket (space between the tooth and gum) contains bacteria, plaque, and tartar, which causes infection and breaks down the bone and gum tissue. Osseous surgery or pocket reduction surgery involves making a small incision in the gums to gain access to the underlying bone. The bone is reshaped and smoothed, and the gums are repositioned over the bone.

When is reduction surgery needed?

Osseous surgery or reduction surgery is needed when periodontal disease has caused the bone supporting your teeth to deteriorate. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line. Early-stage gum disease, known as Gingivitis, is marked by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing. However, if the disease is allowed to progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. This may result in shifting teeth, loose teeth, and ultimately tooth loss.

Benefits of reduction surgery

• Reduces bacterial spread by removing deep tartar and bacteria.
• Stop periodontal disease before it affects immunity levels and causes bone loss.
• Restore the appearance of the teeth
• Supports oral hygiene habits by reducing pocket size, making it easier to brush and floss, and thereby preventing further periodontal disease

What does reduction surgery involve?

Reduction surgery is used to remove tartar and disease-causing bacteria along with the diseased or damaged bone. The bone and surrounding gum tissue may be reshaped and reestablished to a healthy state. Bone grafts may be used to replace bone that has been destroyed.

At LAGOS Periodontics & Dental Implants, Rodrigo A. Lagos, DDS, MS, practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise in preventive periodontics, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum grafting, and dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call us at 760-568-3421 or visit our practice at 36945 Cook St.Suite 101, Palm Desert, CA 92260.