Are you struggling with tender, bleeding gums or loose teeth? These symptoms might signal advanced periodontal disease, a serious condition that requires professional intervention. At Nash Family Dentistry in Vicksburg, MS, Dr. Kenneth Nash understands the impact that gum disease can have on your daily life – from affecting your confidence when speaking to making every meal uncomfortable.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of advanced gum disease, reach out to our Vicksburg dental office at (601) 738-9313 to schedule your consultation. Your journey toward a healthier smile starts with one call – let us help you take that important first step today.
What is Osseous Surgery?
Osseous surgery, or pocket reduction surgery, is a dental procedure that treats periodontitis by smoothing and reshaping damaged bone tissue surrounding the teeth. At Nash Family Dentistry, Dr. Kenneth Nash performs this procedure to eliminate bacterial pockets between the teeth and gums due to severe periodontal disease.
The main goals of osseous surgery include
- Removing bacteria, calculus, and diseased tissue
- Reducing pocket depth around teeth
- Reshaping damaged bone to restore natural contours
- Creating an environment where healthy tissue can reattach to bone
- Preventing future bone loss and tooth decay
When performing osseous surgery in his Vicksburg, MS, practice, Dr. Nash carefully evaluates each patient’s specific condition to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
How Bad Does My Gingivitis Need to Be to Require Osseous Surgery?
Osseous surgery becomes necessary when the periodontal disease progresses beyond the early stages of gingivitis into moderate or severe periodontitis. Dr. Kenneth Nash typically recommends this procedure when:
- Pocket depths measure 5 millimeters or deeper
- Significant bone loss is visible on dental X-rays
- Non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing haven’t resolved the infection
- Gum inflammation persists despite good oral hygiene
- Bone loss threatens the stability of teeth
- Bacterial infection continues to destroy supporting tissues
Regular dental check-ups at Nash Family Dentistry allow Dr. Nash to monitor gum health and catch problems before they require surgical intervention. However, when conservative treatments prove insufficient, osseous surgery offers an effective solution for managing advanced periodontal disease.
Osseous Surgery Procedure
The osseous surgery procedure at Nash Family Dentistry in Vicksburg, MS, typically follows these steps:
- Local Anesthesia Administration: Dr. Nash begins by thoroughly numbing the treatment area to keep patients comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Gum Tissue Access: A small incision is made to fold back the gum tissue, exposing the underlying bone and root surfaces.
- Deep Cleaning: All bacteria, calculus, and diseased tissue are carefully removed from the tooth roots and surrounding areas.
- Bone Reshaping: Using specialized instruments, Dr. Nash smooths rough spots and irregularities in the bone, eliminating places where bacteria can hide and multiply.
- Tissue Repositioning: The gum tissue is placed back against the teeth and secured with small sutures.
Healing Period: Complete recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks, during which patients follow specific post-operative care instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I experience pain during osseous surgery?
Dr. Nash uses modern anesthetic techniques to keep patients comfortable during the procedure. Most patients report minimal discomfort, managed easily with over-the-counter pain medication during recovery.
How long does osseous surgery take?
The procedure length varies depending on the number of teeth requiring treatment. Typically, Dr. Nash can complete surgery on one quadrant of the mouth in 1-2 hours.
When can I return to normal activities?
Most patients return to work within 2-3 days after surgery. However, Dr. Nash recommends avoiding strenuous physical activity for about a week to promote optimal healing.
What happens if I don't get osseous surgery when recommended?
Without treatment, advanced periodontal disease can lead to continued bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. Early intervention offers the best chance for saving affected teeth.
How can I maintain results after surgery?
Success depends largely on post-operative care and ongoing maintenance. Dr. Nash provides detailed instructions for home care and schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and maintain periodontal health.
Does insurance cover osseous surgery?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for osseous surgery when deemed medically necessary. Nash Family Dentistry’s staff can help verify coverage and discuss payment options.
Serving Vicksburg and Beyond
Ready to address your periodontal concerns? Whether you’re in Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Edwards, or Jackson, Dr. Kenneth Nash and the compassionate team at Nash Family Dentistry welcome you. Living with gum disease can be uncomfortable and concerning, affecting both your confidence and daily life. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Take the first step toward renewed oral health by calling (601) 738-9313 to schedule your consultation. Our dedicated team understands your concerns and will guide you through every step of your treatment journey.
Discover The Benefits of Teeth Whitening!
With its many benefits, it’s no wonder why teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Don’t wait, schedule your professional teeth whitening appointment today and start enjoying the benefits of a brighter, more confident smile!
Contact our dentists in Vicksburg, MS by calling (601) 738-9313 to get started today!