Periodontal Flap Surgery

Who is Suitable for Periodontal Flap Surgery? Who Should Avoid It?

Periodontal flap surgery in Turkey is preferred in advanced stages where non-surgical methods (curettage and root planing) are insufficient. Individuals with the following conditions require this advanced surgical intervention to prevent tooth loss:

• Deep periodontal pockets: These are situations where bacteria have penetrated so deeply between the gum and the tooth that they cannot be removed. Pockets at this depth serve as infection foci that the patient cannot clean through brushing.
• Advanced bone loss: These are cases in which gum disease has not only affected the soft tissue but also damaged the jawbone that supports the tooth. At this stage, surgical exposure of the tissue is necessary to place a bone graft.
• Recurrent gum abscesses: If inflammation and abscesses persist in the same area despite standard cleanings, this indicates a deep infection focus.
• Tissue overgrowth (hyperplasia): Conditions where the gums grow excessively due to genetic factors, medication use, or inflammation, making cleaning impossible.

Due to the nature of surgical intervention, this procedure may be considered risky or postponed in certain cases:

• Uncontrolled medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart conditions, or immune-suppressing conditions can jeopardize wound healing.
• Poor oral hygiene habits: Surgical success cannot be achieved in patients who lack the discipline to keep the area clean after the procedure. In such cases, the risk of infection recurrence is very high.
• Excessive tooth mobility: If more than 70–80% of the supporting bone is lost and the tooth is very loose, extraction may be more appropriate than surgery.

How is Periodontal Flap Surgery Performed?

At Diş 212 clinics, this procedure is performed using a microsurgical technique to completely resolve gum disease. Going beyond a standard dental cleaning, this procedure is carried out in the following stages: [2]

• Anesthesia and preparation

The area to be operated on is completely numbed using modern anesthesia techniques. This advanced surgical intervention ensures the patient experiences no pain or discomfort. The area is sterilized and prepared for the surgical procedure.

• Flap incision

Millimeter-precise and controlled incisions are made in the gum tissue. The gum tissue is gently separated from the tooth and the underlying jawbone like a flap. This procedure allows the dentist to directly view root surfaces and bone pockets that would otherwise be hidden.

• Deep cleaning

This stage is the most critical part of periodontal flap surgery in Turkey. Stubborn tartar on the root surfaces and inflamed tissue are removed using specialized surgical instruments. The tooth roots are made smooth and sterile enough to prevent bacteria from adhering.

• Final stage

After cleaning and repair, the gum tissue is repositioned at an optimal angle to the root surfaces and bone. Typically, the tissue is adapted slightly above or below its original position to ensure tighter adhesion. Stitches placed with fine surgical sutures seal the area from external factors and initiate healing.