Osseous surgery is a great procedure to treat advanced periodontal disease. The goal of this procedure is to restructure the bone to encourage a healthy gum connection while also eliminating germs and tartar from deep periodontal pockets. Post-operative care during this surgery is important, but brushing your teeth after osseous surgery is not recommended.
What is Osseous Surgery?
Osseous surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, is used to treat moderate to advanced gum disease. The main objective of this surgery is to eliminate germs and decrease the depth of periodontal pockets, the areas between teeth and gums where bacteria grow and cause damage. The periodontist will clean the roots and sculpt the bone around the teeth to produce a smoother, easier-to-keep-clean surface by folding back the gum tissue to gain access to the tooth roots. This will encourage healthier gum tissue and stop more bone loss.
When is Osseous Surgery Necessary?
Significant bone loss and deep pockets that contain germs and plaque around the teeth are two consequences of periodontal disease. This might lead to tooth loss and other health issues if treatment is not received. Osseous surgery is beneficial because:
- It encourages the gums to recover and reconnect
- It maintains your natural teeth while improving your dental health
- It helps you get rid of the disease
- It reduces the pocket depth
When Is It Okay to Brush Your Teeth After an Osseous Surgery?
It is important to stick to the precise post-operative recommendations provided by your doctor for optimum recovery after osseous surgery. Here’s a breakdown of when you can brush your teeth after an osseous surgery:
Initial Period
You will often be instructed to refrain from brushing the surgery site for a while. This will enable the tissues to start mending without any interference. To help reduce germs without the physical activity of brushing, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash (such as chlorhexidine) for rinsing.
After a Week or More
Your periodontist will give you advice on when and how to start carefully cleaning the surgery region as the healing process advances. To prevent disturbing the healing tissues, they could suggest using a very soft toothbrush and adopting gentle approaches.
Other Post-Operative Care Tips
Here are a few more post-operative care tips to help you heal after the surgery:
Pain and Swelling: Stick to the directions on prescription painkillers. Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter painkillers can also help control discomfort and lower inflammation. Keep using cold packs as necessary throughout the first 48 hours.
Nutrition and Diet: Follow a soft diet for the first several days. Smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs are among the foods that are easy on the surgical site. Drink a lot of water, but refrain from using straws as the suction may interfere with the healing process.
Summing Up!
The post-operative care of osseous surgery may be a little intimidating, but it’ll help you recover from the surgery as soon as possible. So, avoid brushing your teeth for a week after osseous surgery and stick to your dentist’s recommendations.
If you require further assistance, consult our experts at Pearl Dentistry Houston Heights. Call us to book your appointment.