Is Osseous Surgery Painful?

Also called periodontal pocket reduction surgery, osseous surgery is a dental procedure performed by a dentist or periodontist to treat more advanced gum disease. Gum disease, technically called periodontal disease, is an infection in the gums caused by the buildup of bacteria. If bacteria are allowed to accumulate in the mouth, they will eventually cause symptoms such as red and swollen gums, bleeding after brushing, and slow gum recession. When the gums recede, they form pockets along the gumline, where the gums have pulled back from the teeth. The osseous surgical procedure is designed to reduce periodontal pockets, reduce bacteria in the mouth, and allow the teeth and gums to return to a healthier state.

What is a Dental Pocket?

When the gums are healthy, they fit tightly to the teeth, and there is not a large space between the teeth and the gums. Once bacteria begin to build up, they will cause inflammation and lead to the deepening of the space between the gums and the teeth, forming what is called a periodontal pocket. This pocket is caused by the gums reacting to the bacteria and pulling away from the teeth. When an individual does not clean their teeth properly and does not have regular dental cleanings, they may develop periodontal pockets.

If your dental provider thinks you may have more advanced gum disease and have developed periodontal pockets, they will use an instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pocket between the gum and the teeth. Healthy gums have pockets that are no deeper than 3 mm, with a pocket deeper than 3 mm considered a periodontal pocket. Once pockets are diagnosed, it is essential to treat them and stop the process as soon as possible to prevent further bone loss. Sometimes, a dentist will decide to perform osseous surgery to reduce the dental pockets.

One common symptom reported by patients with periodontal pockets is bad breath. This bad breath is caused by bacteria, saliva, and food debris that have accumulated inside the periodontal pockets. Often, bad breath is the main symptom that leads patients to see a dentist.

Does osseous surgery hurt?

The simple dental surgery usually doesn’t hurt if the periodontist or dentist follows the proper treatment steps. Typically, the procedure will start with the dentist applying local anesthesia to the area they are going to treat. This anesthesia will ensure the patient doesn’t feel any pain during the entire surgery. It is common, however, to be a little uncomfortable after the osseous surgery procedure. Simple, over-the-counter painkillers usually help to eliminate any discomfort after the procedure. If you are experiencing more pain, you should talk to your dentist about this. Generally, due to anesthesia and the availability of over-the-counter pain medication, you can have osseous surgery without any pain.

If you have recently noticed signs of gum disease, such as bad breath or bleeding gums, you should contact your dental provider today to schedule a thorough examination. If you do have dental pockets, your provider will help determine the best treatment option for you to restore your oral health and healthy smile.

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