Periodontal Flap Procedure 101: What Periodontics in Toronto Can Do for You

When it comes to dental care in the GTA most people are accustomed to visiting their dentist once every 6 months to a year. However, we sometimes face dental challenges that require intervention beyond the scope of regular dentistry. Fortunately for those in the Toronto area, Cumberland Periodontics’ expert team of periodontists is available for a wide range of periodontic services including specialized procedures such as a periodontal flap. Here’s what you need to know about this important yet minimally invasive treatment.

Firstly, what is periodontitis?

Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and supporting structures of teeth. This challenging disease starts as gingivitis but if left untreated can progress to periodontal disease. When periodontitis is left untreated, it can cause significant damage to the teeth and gums, leading to tooth and bone loss and other serious health problems. Fortunately, periodontal flap surgery can help restore your oral health and prevent further damage. This treatment is offered at dental centres specializing in periodontics in Toronto with the experienced team at Cumberland to help you with all your periodontal concerns. When people hear the term surgery, they may become worried or hesitant, but this procedure is minimally invasive and is an important step in restoring and supporting continued oral health for those suffering from periodontal disease. If you’re considering a periodontal flap procedure, here are some of the steps you can expect during your treatment.

 Step 1: Anesthetic

To ensure your comfort throughout the surgical procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the gum tissue and any sensitive areas around the location of the flap. This way, you can receive treatment without any pain and your periodontist can work more swiftly while you are more relaxed.

Step 2: Flap Creation

Once the numbing anesthetic has worked, the periodontist will create the flap by making a small incision in the gum. This will reveal the necessary root and bone that require cleaning and treatment.

Step 3: Scaling and Root Planing

Once the roots have been exposed, the specialist will need to clean them of any plaque, tartar, or bacteria that has built up. Using specialized tools designed for periodontics in Toronto, the periodontist will remove these deposits in a process known as scaling and root planing. This cleaning procedure is crucial to the efficacy of the overall treatment.

Step 4: Bone Reshaping

Sometimes, your periodontist will discover damage to the underlying bone and need to reshape the area with specialized tools to promote healing and support future growth.

Step 5: Flap Closure

When the cleaning and reshaping are complete, the flap is placed back and closed with a small and precise line of sutures to prevent any bacteria from entering the area while it heals. Your periodontist will send you home with specific instructions on post-operative care.

If you have questions about your upcoming periodontal flap procedure, connect with our experts in periodontics in Toronto at Cumberland Periodontics today.