When the surgical area is feeling “numb” from the local anesthesia, Dr. Schwimer will make an incision in the gum tissue around the area to be treated, and lift the gum away from the tooth and underlying bone. This will allow him access and direct vision of the bone and tooth root surface. He will then use an instrument, either a hand instrument or a powered handpiece, to make sure the root surface is thoroughly cleaned.
n an important step in the surgical procedure, the uneven surface of the bone, caused by the destruction of bone by the body’s response to the bacterial attack, is smoothed. The smooth surface is better suited to repair and development of a healthy attachment system.
When the roots have been cleaned (debrided) and the bone reshaped, the gum tissue is trimmed to match the new underlying structure and stitched in place. The stitches will hold the gum tissue in place while it heals. Dr. Schwimer will remove the stitches in 7-10 days.