In cases where significant bony changes have accompanied periodontal disease or where pockets remain even after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery is done to reduce pockets and improve the contour of the bone and gums around the teeth. Periodontal surgery involves reflecting (folding back) the gum line to create access to adequately treat the root surfaces and the supporting bone. During periodontal surgery, certain regenerative procedures such as bone grafts and guided-tissue regeneration can be performed. The ultimate goal is to reduce pockets and improve the attachment level to the teeth. Periodontal surgery is typically done under local anesthesia and conscious sedation.

For More Information

For more information about regeneration, please see the following source:

AAP: Pocket Depth Reduction

American Academy of Periodontology

For more information about periodontal surgery, please see the following source:

http://www.perio.org/consumer/pocket.htm

http://www.perio.org/consumer/procedures.htm

http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.top2.htm

http://www.perio.org/consumer/request.htm#pse