What is the Difference Between Osseous Surgery and a Deep Cleaning (SRP)?

Continue reading to learn the difference between osseous surgery and a deep cleaning.

What is a Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleanings, clinically referred to as scaling and root planings (SRP), are thorough dental cleanings that are designed to remove all signs of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from both the surface of the teeth as well as below the gums.

A deep cleaning is needed when plaque and tartar are allowed to remain both on the surface and below the gumline of the teeth for an extended period of time, leading to bone and gum recession. This can cause the teeth to become loose, and without proper hygienic intervention, the individual will face the risk of losing the affected teeth. The individual may also experience pain or swelling in the gums, bad breath, and bleeding in the gums.

During a deep cleaning, the hygienist thoroughly removes all traces of plaque or tartar. They will work in all four quadrants of the mouth on both the surfaces of the teeth and under the gumline. Once all plaque and tartar has been removed, the hygienist will place antibiotics under the gums to prevent the growth of bacteria. The patient will then be asked to return in three or four months for their next deep cleaning.

What is Osseous Surgery?

When the efforts of a deep cleaning are just not enough or the bone levels in the mouth are too low, further measures must be taken in order to save the health of the teeth.

Osseous surgery is a more intensive treatment method that is used when a simple deep cleaning falls short and is unable to help the patient properly manage their dental health. During osseous surgery, infected bone and tissue is shaved away to completely eliminate the trouble sites in the mouth that are experiencing bacteria growth. If necessary, bone grafting will be used in order to replace the bone that has had to be removed. The bone graft will encourage new healthy bone regeneration.

This method of treatment is always reserved for last, as it is invasive, but it has proven itself to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of advanced cases of periodontal disease.

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease and are wondering which treatment method would be right for you, discuss your treatment options with your dentist at Willow Glen Dental Center. The method of treatment will depend on the severity of your condition, and your dentist will be able to recommend which method of treatment would be best in your situation.