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During this procedure, your gum tissue is folded back, so that disease-causing bacteria may be removed from the pockets, and then the tissue is secured back into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of damaged bone are smoothed to limit places in which disease-causing bacteria can hide. This way, the gum tissue is allowed to to better reattach to healthier, bacteria-free bone. Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to stop the decaying process and to prevent further damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease. Osseous surgery is often the first step in fighting periodontal disease. When pockets become very deep, they are more difficult for you and your dental care professional to clean, so it's important  to maintain good oral hygiene after the procedure. A combination of reduced pocket depth, daily oral hygiene and professional periodontal maintenance increases your chances of keeping your natural teeth.