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Gum Flap Surgery
A periodontal procedure for advanced gum disease (pyorrhea) where deep cleaning alone can’t reach the bacteria. We lift the gum tissue, clean infected pockets and bone, then reposition for healing.
When deep cleaning isn't enough
For moderate-to-advanced periodontitis with periodontal pockets deeper than 5 mm, scaling and root planing can’t reach the infection at the base of the pocket. Bacteria continue to thrive, bone loss progresses and teeth eventually loosen.
Flap surgery gives us direct visual access to the root surface and underlying bone. We clean what non-surgical treatment can’t reach, smooth the bone where needed, and reposition the gum tissue for tight, healthy reattachment.
How deep is too deep?
Your dentist measures pocket depth in millimetres between the gum and tooth. Beyond about 5 mm, non-surgical cleaning typically can’t reach the bottom of the pocket.
- Scaling & root planing only
- Flap surgery typically indicated
How the procedure works
Local anaesthesia
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. You’ll be awake but comfortable; sedation options are available if you’d prefer.
Gum tissue lifted
A small incision along the gum line lets us gently fold back the tissue, exposing the root surfaces and bone beneath.
Deep cleaning of roots & bone
We remove tartar, infected tissue and bacterial deposits from areas non-surgical scaling can’t reach. Where bone has been damaged, we reshape it.
Bone graft or membrane (if needed)
For significant bone loss, we may add a graft material or growth-factor membrane to encourage regeneration. Discussed beforehand in your plan.
Sutured & reshaped
The gum is repositioned tight against the tooth and secured with fine sutures (often dissolvable). The whole procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes per quadrant.
What healing looks like
Same-day recovery
Cold compress for the first few hours, soft foods only. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal and managed with prescribed analgesics.
Soft-food phase
Continue soft foods (yoghurt, pasta, well-cooked vegetables). Rinse gently with saltwater after meals. Most patients return to work by day 3.
Suture review
Follow-up visit at days 7–10. Non-dissolvable sutures removed. Initial healing is well underway; you can transition back to a normal soft diet.
Full healing
Gum tissue reattaches firmly. Pocket-depth recheck at week 6 confirms results. Long-term maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months keep things stable.
Alternatives & related treatments
Scaling & root planing
Non-surgical deep cleaning for early-stage gum disease. Suitable when pockets are under 5 mm and bone loss is minimal.
Bone grafting
Where flap surgery uncovers significant bone loss, grafting can rebuild the bony support around teeth. Often combined with flap procedures.
Laser-assisted therapy
LANAP (laser periodontal therapy) is a less invasive alternative in selected cases. We’ll advise if it’s appropriate for your clinical picture.
Patient questions, answered
The procedure itself is done under local anaesthesia, so it’s comfortable. After the anaesthesia wears off (3–4 hours later) you may have mild-to-moderate discomfort, easily managed with prescribed analgesics. Most patients describe it as “less painful than I expected.”
Typically 60–90 minutes per quadrant of the mouth. If multiple quadrants need treatment, we usually schedule them across separate visits with 2–3 weeks between each to allow healing.
Cost depends on the number of quadrants treated and whether bone grafting or regenerative materials are required. We always provide a full written treatment plan with itemised costs before booking the procedure. Many dental insurance plans cover periodontal surgery — our front office can verify coverage for you.
Most patients return to office work the same day or next day. If your job involves heavy physical activity, plan for 2–3 days off. Avoid the gym, smoking, and alcohol for at least a week to support clean healing.
Slight mobility for the first 2–3 weeks is normal as tissues remodel. Teeth typically firm up over the next few months as bone and gum reattachment progresses. Significant loose teeth before surgery may require splinting during recovery — discussed during your treatment plan.
With strict home care and 3–4 monthly maintenance cleanings, results from flap surgery can be permanent. Skipping maintenance is the single biggest cause of recurrence — we’ll set you up with a personalised maintenance schedule.
Ready to discuss flap surgery?
Start with a 20-minute periodontal assessment. We’ll explain what we see and what your options are.