Osseous Surgery for Gum Disease: Your Complete Aftercare and Recovery Timeline

Gum disease can cause all kinds of problems, not least of which is creating spaces between the gum line and your teeth. These spaces, called periodontal pockets, can become extremely difficult to clean, which leads to worsening problems like infection, tooth decay, and bone loss.

You may already be prepared for the idea that gum surgery will be necessary, and at this stage, we recommend osseous surgery. But what does it involve, and how hard will it be for you to get better afterward? 

At Downtown Dental Studio, Fadi Beydoun, DMD, MS, Alexander Kimon, DMD, and Karina Zaygermakher, DMD, will happily provide you with all the answers about what osseous surgery entails as well as when and how you can expect to recover from the procedure.

Osseous surgery 101: what it is and what it does

First, osseous surgery may not be the only type of surgery needed as a result of gum disease. This diagnosis not only encompasses several symptoms, but if left untreated, it can cause severe problems for the mouth and the rest of the body. That’s why specialized procedures like osseous surgery are sometimes used as part of a full treatment program.

But osseous surgery itself focuses on the bone loss associated with the severely deep pockets created along the gum line when plaque that is impossible to clean, even with a professional’s help, forms here. This usually happens when periodontal pockets become as wide as 5mm (as anything wider than 3mm is a sign of gum disease). 

The first part of osseous surgery involves cutting the gums back so that the bacteria, plaque, and other harmful material can be removed. This can’t be done with a regular dental cleaning once the pockets become too deep. You will receive local anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain.

Afterward, any bone that has been damaged as the result of periodontal disease is also repaired. This may require reshaping irregularly shaped bone, but it could go as far as bone grafts if you have lost significant amounts of bone. The gums are then repaired and stitched back together. 

What to expect after osseous surgery 

The procedure itself is usually only a few hours long, and you’ll be able to return home the same day. But you’ll want to take special care post-procedure to ensure that you recover as safely and quickly as possible.

Day one

Rest, rest, rest! You’ll need to have someone take care of you the first day, and you’ll want to avoid any strenuous activities. You’ll likely receive a regimen of pain medications, and this will probably make you a bit drowsy. Make sure your friend or family member can keep you on your medication schedule, but your main job is simply to take it easy. 

Day two through five 

You’ll still need to be resting at this time, but you’ll also want to clean your mouth as directed by your doctor, take your medications, and focus on eating certain foods. These will need to be foods that don’t inflame the mouth or have the potential to pull stitches, so think post-wisdom tooth extraction foods like soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and of course, plenty of water. 

Day six through 14

Most people can recover fully in the first two weeks or so after osseous surgery, although there are things you can do to speed up the recovery. Eating nutrient-rich foods can help you recover more quickly, and following all instructions to the letter is also necessary. 

If you do notice any soreness, bleeding, or swelling that hasn’t started disappearing after the first few days, make sure to call your provider. This could be a sign of infection. Usually, by this point, most people are ready to get back to their regular lives, free from gum disease!

Recovery is possible with osseous surgery

Periodontal disease is extremely dangerous for your overall health, and while this procedure might sound scary, it’s going to provide you with a much healthier situation in the long run. If you have begun to notice the symptoms of gum disease, reach out now for help.

Our office in the Financial District in New York City, NY, offers treatments for periodontal disease, including osseous surgery. Call 212-964-3337 today, or make an appointment online at your earliest convenience.