If you have a root canal that has become infected, a Modesto Dentist may recommend a flap surgery. This is a painful surgery as it involves cutting away at the gums below the tooth and separating them from the tooth. The infected root will be removed and replaced with a composite filling and the gums will be stitched back into place. The healing process can take weeks and there is no guarantee that it will work and prevent an extraction from occurring.
The other reason why flap surgery is needed is for individuals with advanced periodontitis. Scaling and root planing need the gums to be removed from the tooth so that they can get to the bacteria and plaque that is surrounding the tooth and causing the pain. If scaling and root planing fail, flap surgery is the only way to save the tooth.
A Modesto Dental office will administer anesthesia in order to numb the gum line and the tooth that they need to clean. They will then separate the gums from the tooth and fold them back so they can begin work on the roots and bone supporting the tooth. The inflamed tissue will be removed from the gums and the dentists will clean the tarter and plaque that is infecting the tooth below the gumline. They may need to perform a process known as osseous re-contouring as it will help to smooth the edges of the bone.
One the cleaning is done, the gums will be placed back against the teeth and you will have stitches placed in the mouth that will dissolve on their own. You may need a pack or a dressing placed on the gums if the incision was large and the periodontist is concerned about infection. You need to keep your mouth very clean following the surgery you will experience a painful infection that requires drainage and medication to treat.
