Periodontal pockets form when bacteria and plaque accumulate along the gum line, causing inflammation that gradually separates the gums from the tooth roots. As these pockets deepen beyond the normal 1-3mm range, they create ideal environments for harmful bacteria to thrive, making effective cleaning nearly impossible with regular brushing and flossing. Left untreated, these deepening pockets allow bacteria to attack the supporting structures of your teeth, including the periodontal ligament and jawbone, ultimately leading to tooth mobility and potential tooth loss.
Our initial approach focuses on non-surgical treatments designed to eliminate infection and reduce pocket depths. Scaling and root planing, often called "deep cleaning," involves carefully removing bacterial deposits and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing rough root surfaces to promote healing. This thorough cleaning allows inflamed gum tissues to heal and naturally reattach to the tooth roots, often resulting in significant pocket depth reduction.
We may also recommend antimicrobial rinses or local antibiotic therapy to enhance healing and control bacterial growth during the recovery period.
When non-surgical methods cannot adequately reduce pocket depths, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore periodontal health. Flap surgery allows our periodontist to access deeper areas of infection by gently lifting the gum tissue, providing direct visibility for thorough cleaning of root surfaces and removal of diseased tissue. During this procedure, we can also perform bone recontouring to eliminate irregular surfaces that harbor bacteria and may place regenerative materials to encourage new bone and tissue growth. These surgical techniques significantly improve the chances of achieving healthy tissue reattachment and long-term pocket depth reduction, helping preserve your natural teeth for years to come.
Pocket reduction surgery is a periodontal procedure that reduces the depth of gum pockets that form due to advanced gum disease. It involves cleaning infected tissue, reshaping the gums, and reducing the space where bacteria accumulate.
If you have deep gum pockets caused by periodontal disease, this surgery is necessary to prevent further damage to your gums and teeth, as well as to restore your gum health.
Most patients experience mild discomfort during the recovery process, but the procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during surgery.
Recovery typically takes a few weeks, but you may feel some mild discomfort for the first few days. Full healing of the gums can take several weeks.
Yes, stitches are typically used to secure the gums in place after the procedure. These stitches will be removed during a follow-up visit.
You should avoid brushing the surgical site directly for a few days. However, your periodontist may recommend using a special mouth rinse to help keep the area clean.
Follow all aftercare instructions, avoid hard or crunchy foods, and maintain proper oral hygiene with the recommended mouth rinse.
If you have deep gum pockets, loose teeth, or symptoms of gum disease that have not improved with regular cleaning, you should consult a periodontist.
As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, excessive bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, these risks are rare and can be minimized with proper care.
If you maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular checkups, the chances of gum disease returning are minimal. However, it is important to follow your periodontist’s advice to keep your gums healthy.
We're Here to Help You Smile with Confidence
Whether you're scheduling a consultation or have questions about your periodontal care, our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to assist you. We’re committed to making your experience smooth, supportive, and stress-free—reach out today and take the first step toward better oral health.
