Osseous Surgery
Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Osseous Surgery Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Periodontitis is an increasingly common inflammatory condition of the bone support and gums surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause a number of issues to develop, such as swelling and/or bleeding gums, or cause gums to recede. Failing to treat periodontitis for long enough will eventually result in the decay and deterioration of the jawbone, and/or result in teeth falling out. Osseous surgery is performed when periodontitis is not being improved through traditional treatments, such as scaling and root planing. Osseous surgery involves recontouring or removing damaged bone around a tooth or teeth to reduce pockets, eliminate bacteria, and smooth the bone that has been damaged. Osseous surgery allows for gum tissue to reattach to the bone, which will prevent additional damage from occurring and stop the decaying process.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about osseous surgery, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Dr. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Fields
Dr. Fields, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, embarked on his dental journey at Georgetown College, where he earned a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry. He then pursued his passion for dentistry, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Louisville in 1989. Additionally, he earned the prestigious Ma.C.S.D. degree, specializing in IV conscious sedation, showcasing his commitment to advancing his skills and knowledge for the benefit of his patients.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Pros and Cons of Osseous Surgery
As with any medical procedure, there are pros and cons to having osseous surgery. In some cases, LANAP may be a better treatment option for patients, depending upon their specific circumstances. One of the most common drawbacks patients who have osseous surgery cite is that their teeth appear to be longer. While osseous surgery will alter the appearance of your smile, your gums will be returned to a natural, healthier state.
Pros of Osseous Surgery:
- The most powerful method for treating advanced periodontal disease
- Healthy gum tissue is preserved
- Pocket depths are reduced, which decreases the likelihood of bacteria and plaque developing
- Patients can brush areas that were inaccessible before
- Patients will have fresher breath
- Gums will stop bleeding
- Significantly reduces the likelihood of a future infection developing, provided the patient follows good oral self-care
Cons of Osseous Surgery:
- Teeth appear longer
- Increased likelihood of tooth sensitivity
- Longer and more extensive recovery compared to LANAP
- Not able to address certain pockets that can only be treated with LANAP
Osseous Surgery Expectations
Prior to the procedure, your periodontist will administer a local anesthetic. Once you are properly numbed, a small incision will be made in your gum and it will be pulled back to access the root of the tooth and surrounding bone. Once these are accessible, your periodontist will scrape off deposits that have formed on the root surface and recontour and trim the bone. For more advanced cases of periodontitis, a bone graft and/or guided tissue regeneration may be placed during this time. Once this is complete, the gum tissue will be reattached and the healing process can begin.
Osseous Surgery Aftercare
Following osseous surgery, it is important to follow the post-operative instructions. If you are prescribed medication and/or antibiotics, follow the dosage instructions to completion. If you are not prescribed medication but experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can generally help manage pain. Some swelling is also common, but this can generally be managed with the use of ice packs. If you follow these instructions, your recovery process should be quick, although your periodontist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment within a week to ensure everything looks right.
Once you have completed the recovery process, it will not be necessary to follow special aftercare instructions, although it is important to be aware of the reason this procedure was needed in the first place. Continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule regular visits to your periodontist to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis. It may be necessary to schedule these visits with more frequency until you have fully corrected your periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.
Osseous Surgery Cost
The cost of osseous surgery will vary depending upon a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and the severity of your case. At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office, you can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule your appointment for osseous surgery, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!