When periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, progresses beyond the point where non-invasive treatments like deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing can help, dental flap surgery may be the next step toward restoring oral health.
Dr. Fred Alger takes a conservative, patient-first approach and only recommends periodontal surgery when necessary. However, when advanced gum disease leads to periodontal pockets, bone loss, or diseased tissue, his expertise in flap surgery procedures allows him to help patients restore healthy gums and protect their natural teeth.
Periodontal Flap Surgery
In patients with severe gum disease, bacteria, plaque, and tartar often hide beneath the gum line — an area that cannot be reached with brushing or flossing alone. As the infection progresses, it deepens the pocket depth around teeth and destroys the bone tissue that supports them.
Without timely professional treatment, these deep periodontal pockets can lead to tooth loss, bone defects, and further infection. At this stage, dental flap surgery, sometimes called pocket reduction surgery, is often the most effective way to eliminate infection, clean the tooth roots, and promote the healing process of the gums and jawbone.
This type of periodontal flap surgery can also be used in conjunction with other treatment options, such as osseous surgery, bone grafting, or tissue regeneration, depending on the extent of damage.
What Is Flap Surgery?
Flap surgery is a common periodontal procedure that allows your gum specialist to treat infection beneath the gums by creating a small gum flap. During this procedure, the gums are gently lifted away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots and underlying bone for thorough cleaning.
Once the harmful bacteria, plaque, and calculus are removed, the gum tissue is repositioned and sutured back into place to reduce the pocket depth and allow the gums to reattach properly to the teeth.
By restoring a healthy, tight seal around each tooth, flap surgery not only stops the progression of periodontal disease but also prevents future buildup of bacteria beneath the surface.
What Is the Surgery Like?
Before your dental flap surgery, Dr. Alger will meet with you for a detailed consultation to evaluate your periodontal health, review your medical history, and answer any questions.
On the day of the flap surgery procedure, you can expect the following:
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the surgical site and ensure complete comfort throughout the procedure.
- The gum tissue is gently separated from the teeth to create a flap, giving Dr. Alger full visibility of the roots of your teeth and surrounding bone tissue.
- Using precise instruments, he removes hardened tartar, bacteria, and diseased tissue.
- In some cases, regenerative treatments like bone grafts or tissue regeneration membranes may be placed to promote healing and strengthen the supporting structures.
- The gums are then repositioned, sutured, and covered to protect the area during recovery.
After the procedure, patients are typically advised to apply a cold pack to reduce swelling, eat soft foods, and rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities within a few days.
The recovery period is generally brief — Dr. Alger will remove sutures in about a week and monitor your progress to ensure proper healing.
Why Dental Flap Surgery May Be Recommended
Dental flap surgery is often recommended when non-surgical treatments fail to control advanced periodontal disease. It may also be suggested for patients with:
- Persistent periodontal pockets that trap bacteria
- Bone loss around the teeth or jaw
- Severe periodontitis or chronic gum inflammation
- Receding or uneven gum lines
- Tooth roots exposed due to gum recession
If untreated, these conditions can increase your risk of infection, compromise gum health, and eventually lead to tooth loss or even systemic conditions such as heart disease.
The Benefits of Dental Flap Surgery
Flap surgery not only removes infection but also allows your gums and bone to heal in a controlled, healthy way. Benefits include:
- Reduced pocket depth and improved gum attachment
- Elimination of bacteria and plaque beneath the surface
- Prevention of further bone damage and tooth loss
- Restoration of a healthy gum shape and contour
- Improved oral health and easier home care
- Enhanced long-term stability for dental implants
When performed by an experienced oral surgeon or periodontist, flap surgery can result in a significant reduction in gum inflammation and the complete restoration of healthy gum tissue.
Healing and Recovery After Flap Surgery
Following periodontal surgery, it’s important to follow post-operative instructions closely to support the healing process. Dr. Alger will review all at-home care steps, including:
- Using warm salt water rinses to soothe the gums and promote healing
- Applying a cold pack to minimize swelling during the first 24 hours
- Eating soft foods and avoiding hard or crunchy items until fully healed
- Continuing regular oral care with gentle brushing and good oral hygiene habits
- Attending all follow-up visits to monitor healing and remove sutures
Dr. Alger and his team provide detailed post-surgical guidance to ensure the best outcome. Most patients see a significant reduction in pocket depth and an overall improvement in periodontal health within weeks.
How Flap Surgery Fits into Overall Periodontal Treatment
Dental flap surgery is often one part of a broader plan to restore gum health and prevent future issues. Depending on your needs, Dr. Alger may combine this procedure with crown lengthening, bone grafting, or tissue regeneration for more comprehensive results.
He also works closely with referring dentists to ensure continuity of care—especially when flap surgery is performed as preparation for dental implants or crown lengthening surgery.
For patients with high-risk factors such as heart problems, recent major surgeries, or an impaired immune system, Dr. Alger takes special precautions to reduce the risk of infection and ensure a safe recovery.