If you are being treated for periodontal (gum) disease, your periodontist may recommend pocket reduction surgery. It’s human nature to become anxious when the word “surgery” comes up, but this type of oral surgery is a very common, proven procedure that typically has a successful outcome.
Why Your Periodontist May Recommend Pocket Reduction Surgery
Healthy mouths have less than 2- to 3-millimeter (mm) pockets between the base of the teeth and the gums. However, these pockets may increase in size due to periodontal disease. As Summit Periodontics notes, when they become deeper than 5 mm, the area becomes difficult to clean — whether at home or during a professional cleaning by a hygienist. As the pockets get deeper, more bacteria may enter and wear away the gums and bone. If left untreated, these pockets may continue to deepen until the tooth requires extraction.
Also known as osseous surgery, pocket reduction surgery is performed to eliminate or reduce the pockets formed by gum disease. According to Periodontal Center of Excellence, the primary goal of osseous surgery is to eliminate deep pockets formed between the gums and teeth due to periodontitis. These pockets can harbor harmful bacteria, making it difficult for proper oral hygiene practices to reach them effectively. By reducing the depth of these pockets through osseous surgery, dentists can access and thoroughly clean the affected area.
Moreover, pocket reduction surgery allows for proper oral hygiene practices at home to become more effective in maintaining healthy gums and preventing further progression of gum disease.
Pocket Reduction Surgery Procedure
Although pocket reduction surgery sounds scary, it’s usually performed using local anesthesia by injection into the gum — the same as having a cavity filled, or getting a dental crown or bridge. Just before, a topical numbing agent is applied to the site to be injected. Some people opt for sedation anesthesia, which makes it necessary to have someone drive you to and from the appointment. Discuss with your periodontist which type of anesthesia is better for your particular situation.
After the area for surgery is numb, the procedure generally follows these steps, courtesy of Healthline:
- The periodontist will make a small incision along your gumline. They’ll then fold back your gums and remove the bacteria underneath.
- They’ll then smooth down any areas where the bone is damaged or irregularly shaped.
- If your bone is severely damaged, a periodontal regeneration technique may need to be implemented. These techniques include bone grafts and guided tissue regenerative membranes.
- Your gums will be sewn back and covered with a periodontal dressing to help manage the bleeding.
It’s important to understand that while pocket reduction surgery is effective at removing damage-causing bacteria, it does not cure periodontal disease. It is, however, a vital step in the treatment plan that your periodontist has discussed with you. Be aware that without proper post-surgical oral care and regular professional cleanings, bacteria will again accumulate.
There also is some confusion about the difference between pocket reduction surgery and flap reduction surgery, as many people assume they’re one and the same. The main difference is that flap surgery cleans the tooth roots and repairs bone damage caused by gum disease; pocket reduction surgery eliminates pockets deeper than 5 mm, thereby decreasing the likelihood of bacteria and plaque development. Pocket reduction surgery also makes it possible to brush areas that were once inaccessible while simultaneously stopping gum bleeding.
Recovering from Pocket Reduction Surgery
Expect to take it easy immediately after surgery and at least the day after before resuming your regular daily activities, including exercise. Your periodontist may prescribe a pain reliever. Healthline provides the following general instructions you may receive:
- Change your gauze regularly.
- Place an ice pack against the outside of your mouth to manage swelling.
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater after 24 hours.
- Avoid using a straw until your mouth completely heals.
- Stick to soft foods for the first few days.
Your periodontist will also tell you not to smoke or use tobacco products after surgery. We know that because of tobacco’s highly addictive nature, this will be difficult. As with general health, smoking has detrimental effects on oral health. Your chance of successful treatment of periodontal disease is greatly reduced by tobacco use of any kind. Please read our blog post — “How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health” — then look for a program that will help you quit. Your periodontist should be able to recommend a program that’s best suited to your particular situation and needs.
The Take-Home Message
Pocket reduction surgery is a common procedure your periodontist may recommend as part of your treatment plan for periodontal disease. However, it is not a cure. Following good oral hygiene practices and scheduling twice-yearly examinations and cleanings with your dentist — as well as follow-up visits to your periodontist as recommended — is essential to winning the fight against periodontal disease.
At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.
Our team of experienced, dedicated dental professionals will help address your oral health concerns, and determine the best solution for you based on your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs. Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.
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