Pocket reduction surgery, flap surgery and gingivectomy are procedures periodontal dentists use for removing or closing pockets around teeth that have developed because of plaque, bacteria, tartar and gum disease.
Everyone’s mouth has bacteria in it, but leaving the yellowish plaque that forms on teeth in place instead of cleaning it away allows bacteria to form that feeds on food and debris and generates acid that causes tooth decay and gum disease. If not treated by a dentist, decay continues, and so does the irritation and inflammation that are often the first signs of gum disease.
As gum disease progresses, deep pockets form around teeth that eventually allow bone tissue to be destroyed and teeth to become loose and fall out.
Gum disease doesn’t go away on its own. It will get worse and worse if not properly treated. Large bacterial colonies will set up in the gum pockets, decreasing oral and overall health. Pocket reduction surgery breaks the cycle by closing pockets and removing as much bacteria as possible.
Reasons For Pocket Reduction Surgery
Pocket reduction surgery, also known as osseous surgery, isn’t as scary as it sounds
Pocket reduction surgery is a proven, time-tested way to remove bacteria from the mouth, reduce gum inflammation and save teeth and tissue. Your dentist may recommend this procedure as the right treatment to accomplish these things:
Reduce bacteria. Bacteria that have established themselves in your mouth cause oral disease and more, potentially spreading elsewhere in the body. Bacteria can even cause a heart attack or stroke.
Reduce bone loss. If bacteria are not removed, they can destroy your jawbone, loosen your teeth and make it possible for them to fall out even if the teeth themselves are healthy.
Improve oral hygiene. Thoroughly cleaning deep gum pockets can be nearly impossible with only a toothbrush, so bacteria continue to grow and make the problem worse if your dentist doesn’t take action.
Make your smile better. Sometimes, gum inflammation shows. Lost teeth certainly do. By preventing unsightly impacts from gum disease, pocket reduction surgery can improve appearance as well as health.
What Pocket Reduction Surgery Involves
Your San Diego Dentist Association dentist begins gum disease treatment by taking digital x-rays of your mouth and jaw as well as visually examining teeth and gums to find out what treatment you need. If pocket reduction surgery is the right choice for your needs, the dentist will discuss with you whether general or local anesthesia is best.
When you have the surgical procedure, your gums are pulled away from your teeth, then the plaque, tartar, and bacteria are cleaned away. Root planing is performed to smooth your teeth and deep scaling is performed to clean away calculus on the tooth root. Next, an antimicrobial liquid is applied to kill the remaining bacteria and give the healing process a good start. Finally, the gums are replaced and held into place with stitches that must remain for 5 to 10 days.
Your gums will be more sensitive after the surgery for a while, which means you must be careful what you eat for several days. In most cases, however, pocket reduction surgery leads to a significant improvement in your oral and dental health as well as your health in general.
If you’re ready to discuss this and other periodontal disease treatments, please reach out now to a gentle, caring SDDA professional. You deserve the best possible oral health, and our San Diego dentists can help you look and feel your best.
To make an appointment or a free consultation about Pocket Reduction Surgery, call (619) 745-6870.