Osseous surgery is a type of surgery that involves reshaping of the jawbone under the gum. Most of the damage associated with periodontal disease occurs in the underlying bone; osseous means bone. Bone is frequently destroyed by the infection associated with gum disease. This irregular bone will prevent the gum from laying down flat. Reshaping the bone with osseous surgery will allow the gum to lay down flat in the areas between the teeth.

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Periodontal disease destroys the supporting tissue and bone, forming "pockets" around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted.

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​During osseous surgery, our doctor folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease- causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is osseous surgery?

Osseous surgery is a periodontal procedure that reshapes the jawbone beneath the gums to eliminate irregular surfaces where disease-causing bacteria can hide, allowing gum tissue to reattach more effectively to healthy bone.

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Is osseous surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so discomfort during treatment is minimal. Some soreness and swelling are normal during the healing period afterward.

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How is osseous surgery different from a regular deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes plaque and tartar from tooth and root surfaces, while osseous surgery addresses irregular bone structure beneath the gums that deep cleaning alone cannot reach or correct.

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Will osseous surgery stop my gum disease completely?

Osseous surgery significantly reduces pocket depth and bacterial buildup, but ongoing daily oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance are essential to prevent disease recurrence.

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How long does recovery take after osseous surgery?
Most patients experience some tenderness and swelling for a few days, with full gum healing typically taking a few weeks.

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Can osseous surgery help me keep my natural teeth?

Yes — by reducing pocket depth and eliminating bacterial buildup, osseous surgery improves your chances of retaining your natural teeth long-term, compared to leaving advanced periodontal disease untreated.

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Who needs osseous surgery?

Osseous surgery is typically recommended for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease, where bone loss has created deep pockets that cannot be adequately treated with non-surgical methods alone.