Gum pocket reduction surgery illustration showing surgical instruments removing diseased tissue between teeth and gum.

Osseous Surgery

Osseous surgery, sometimes referred to as pocket reduction surgery, is preformed to gain access to the tooth roots to remove disease-causing bacteria. Osseous surgery is used to reshape deformities and remove pockets in the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth. The goal of osseous surgery is to reduce or eliminate the periodontal pockets that cause periodontal disease.

The Specific Goals of Osseous Surgery Include

Reducing Bacterial Spread: Bacteria from the mouth can spread throughout the body and cause other life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and respiratory disease. Removing deep tartar and thereby bacteria can help reduce the risk of bacteria spreading.
Preventing Bone Loss: The immune system’s inflammatory response prompted by periodontal bacteria can lead to bone loss in the jaw region, and cause teeth to fall out. Osseous surgery seeks to stop periodontal disease before it progresses to this level.
Enhancing the Smile: Mouths plagued with periodontal disease are often unsightly. Brown gums, rotting teeth, and ridge indentations can leave a person feeling depressed and too self-conscious to smile. Fortunately, osseous surgery can help reduce bacteria and disease and thereby restore your mouth to its former radiance, while restoring confidence at the same time.
Facilitating Home Care: As the gum pocket deepens, it can become nearly impossible to brush and floss adequately. Osseous surgery reduces pocket size, making it easier to brush and floss, and thereby helps prevent further periodontal disease.

What Does Osseous Surgery Entail?

A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area prior to surgery. Once you are completely numb, Dr. Cavallari will then gain access to the roots of the teeth and their surrounding bone. The roots will be thoroughly cleaned through scaling, and then Dr. Cavallari will gently reshape the bone around the teeth. Bone grafting and membrane placement may also be necessary to fill in any bony defects. Next, the gums will be placed back over the remaining bone and sutured into place. The site will then be covered with a bandage (periodontal pack) or dressing.

Pain medicine, and a mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine, will be prescribed to you following the surgery. Several follow up visits will be necessary, and you must adhere to a meticulous hygiene maintenance program to avoid post-operative infection and possible re-infection of the treated areas.

Osseous Post-Operative Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Pocket Reduction Surgery

Gum pocket reduction surgery, also known as osseous surgery, is a periodontal procedure performed to gain direct access to the tooth roots and surrounding bone in order to remove disease-causing bacteria. When periodontal pockets become too deep to clean through non-surgical treatment like scaling and root planing, osseous surgery allows Dr. Cavallari to eliminate those pockets, reshape bone deformities, and stop the progression of periodontal disease. It is one of the most effective treatments for advanced gum disease in Virginia Beach and throughout Hampton Roads.

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning that treats early to moderate periodontal disease. When pockets are too deep for non-surgical treatment to be fully effective, osseous surgery becomes necessary. During osseous surgery, Dr. Cavallari opens the gum tissue to directly access the roots and bone, thoroughly clean the roots, and reshape the bone itself — something that cannot be accomplished through non-surgical cleaning alone.

Osseous surgery at Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants is performed with four specific goals in mind. First, reducing bacterial spread — deep tartar and bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease and respiratory conditions. Second, preventing bone loss — periodontal bacteria trigger an inflammatory response that destroys the jawbone, eventually causing teeth to fall out. Third, enhancing the smile — eliminating disease restores the health and appearance of the gums. Fourth, facilitating home care — by reducing pocket depth, daily brushing and flossing become far more effective at preventing future disease.

The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to fully numb the area. Once comfortable, Dr. Cavallari gains access to the tooth roots and surrounding bone, thoroughly cleans the roots through scaling, and gently reshapes the bone to eliminate deformities and reduce pocket depth. If needed, bone grafting and membrane placement may be performed to address bony defects. The gum tissue is then repositioned over the remaining bone and sutured into place, and a periodontal pack or bandage is placed over the surgical site.

The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during surgery. Afterward, pain medication and a chlorhexidine mouth rinse will be prescribed to manage discomfort and minimize infection risk. Some soreness and swelling in the days following surgery is normal. Multiple follow-up visits are required, and you will be placed on a strict hygiene maintenance program to support healing and prevent re-infection.

Yes. One of the primary goals of osseous surgery is to stop periodontal disease before it progresses to the point of tooth loss. The inflammatory response triggered by periodontal bacteria leads to bone destruction in the jaw — and once enough supporting bone is lost, teeth become loose and may fall out. By eliminating bacteria, reducing pockets, and reshaping the bone, osseous surgery interrupts this process and works to preserve your natural teeth long-term.

In some cases, yes. If examination reveals bony defects around the affected teeth, bone grafting and membrane placement may be incorporated into the osseous surgery procedure. This helps restore bone volume, supports the surrounding teeth, and creates a healthier environment for long-term periodontal stability. Dr. Cavallari will discuss whether grafting is anticipated as part of your individualized treatment plan.

Your general dentist or a previous periodontal evaluation may have identified deep periodontal pockets, significant bone loss, or advanced gum disease that has not responded adequately to non-surgical treatment. If you have been referred to a periodontist in Virginia Beach or are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, contact Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants for a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Cavallari.

Gum Pocket Reduction Surgery in Virginia Beach, VA

Osseous Surgery

The Specific Goals of Osseous Surgery Include

What Does Osseous Surgery Entail?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Pocket Reduction Surgery

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