Pocket Reduction Procedures

Normal, healthy gums appear firm and pink with a very small sulcus, or space, at the uppermost margin, which does not exceed more than a millimeter or two. Although bacteria and debris can gather in this small space, good oral hygiene and care keep the gums clean and disease-free. It’s only when plaque and bacteria are left to accumulate that gum disease arrives on the scene.

In the absence of proper care, periodontal disease is a progressive condition that damages the soft tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. When left untreated, gingivitis, which is the initial stage of gum disease, turns into periodontitis. As periodontal disease worsens, gingival pockets deepen, and the gaps between the teeth and gums get larger. It also gets increasingly difficult to remove the accumulated plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria within the pocket. When pocket depth increases beyond the reach of deep cleanings (typically 5mm or more), periodontal surgery or laser procedures to clean the pocket, remove damaged tissue, and shrink the pockets may be recommended.

The goals of pocket reduction surgery are to accomplish the following:

• Remove sub-gingival bacteria beneath the gums and from the surfaces of the roots of the teeth
• Halt damage to the underlying bone, and re-contour the affected hard tissues as needed
• Reduce pocket depth to facilitate easier cleaning of the teeth and gums and the maintenance of optimal periodontal health

The good news is that with proper surgical treatment followed by improved oral hygiene, the chances of tooth loss, further damage to the bone and soft tissues supporting the teeth, and the risk of complications from associated problems decrease.