gum flap surgery

Hi! i had right lower 3 back tooth flap surgery on the 2nd day i could wiggle the tooth and it looks loose it wasnt like that before is that normal right after a flap surgery? will it tighten up like before? on the 3rd day on feel pain and swollen cheek i use ice pack to calm it down is that a sign of healing is that normal?

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

If it continues to swell, I'd go back and get a prescription for an antibiotic.  Usually the swelling should slow down on the third day, if its increasing on the third day, it may indicate an infection is occurring.  As for the loose tooth, generally after flap surgery, the teeth may feel looser than normal but it should tighten up some.  Its hard to say how much though.

[tooth168]

why after flap surgery tooth are loose? just want to know is it because not brushing and flossing daily or not enough causes deep pockets?  

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

The teeth are generally loose because the tissue is inflamed and there's plaque/tartar underneath that needs to be removed.  As those things are removed, there's spaces now and when they are sutured over, the tissue needs time to reduce its swelling and re-attach back onto the clean root surface.  Once it re-attaches back on, the teeth tend to tighten up more.  

[tooth168]

Hi! if theres 4 and 5 pockets if do daily flossing and brushing every after meal would it stop the pockets getting more and because of daily care also stop bone loss. thank you for answer all my problem question it was really helpful to me!    

[tooth168]

Hi! with good  daily flossing and brushing would pockets reduce!

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Good daily flossing, brushing and regular dental cleaning and care should prevent the pockets from worsening as long as there's no other issues such as diabetes, poor diet, etc

[tooth168]

if the pocket are 4 and stay the same with good daily care would the bone loss stop?

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Yes, its possible.  Sometimes you get some minor pocketing but the disease is stabls, although a 4 pocket can tend be more problematic cause of its deepness so 3 or less is ideal.