Flap Surgery

Flap surgery is a periodontal surgical procedure done to treat gum disease by accessing and cleaning deep periodontal pockets that cannot be reached with non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing.

✔ Why Flap Surgery Is Done

Deep periodontal pockets

Persistent inflammation

Bone defects caused by periodontitis

To remove calculus/tartar below the gumline

To reshape gums and underlying bone

✔ How the Procedure Is Done (Step-by-step)

Local anesthesia is administered.

Incisions are made around the affected teeth.

Gum flap is gently lifted (reflected) to expose the tooth roots and bone.

Thorough cleaning: removal of plaque, tartar, infected tissue.

Bone shaping/contouring (if required).

Flap repositioning and suturing back into place.

A periodontal dressing may be placed.

✔ Healing After Flap Surgery

Mild swelling or discomfort for 1–3 days

Sutures removed after 7–10 days

Most healing completes in 2–3 weeks

Strict oral hygiene is important

Chlorhexidine mouthwash may be prescribed

✔ Benefits

Reduces periodontal pockets

Eliminates infection

Helps regenerate healthier gums

Improves long-term tooth stability

Types of Flap Surgery

Modified Widman Flap – conservative, for deep cleaning

Open Flap Debridement – for severe periodontal pockets

Apically Repositioned Flap – used to reduce pocket depth

Regenerative flap surgery – with bone grafts / membranes

What Are The Goals Of Flap Surgery?

Eliminate or reduce the pocket itself.

Regeneration of bone tissue which may have been lost to the disease.

A variety of techniques may be used to accomplish this, including regenerative methods using bone grafting, PRF, and GTR( barrier membrane). (Click to learn more) These approaches help restore the gums to their normal form and function, and promote health and secure anchoring of teeth

What To Expect After Surgery?

Typically it takes only a few days to recover from a flap procedure. Make sure you follow the home care instructions that your periodontist gives you. If you have questions about your instructions, call us the Periodontist will assist you.

The following are general suggestions to help speed recovery:

Take painkillers as prescribed.

After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood.

Relax after surgery. Strenuous physical activity may increase bleeding.

Eat soft foods. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as the area heals.

Continue to carefully brush your teeth and tongue.

Apply an ice or cold pack to the outside of your mouth to help relieve pain and swelling.

Do not use sucking motions, such as when using a straw to drink.

Do not smoke.

Do not brush or floss in the graft site for ten days after surgery. You may begin gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush for another two to four days and finally return to normal brushing.