In the mouth of a healthy individual, there is a small pocket up to the size of 3mm between the gums and the base of each tooth. If a person develops gum disease, this pocket size has the capability of increasing dramatically.

Once it reaches 5mm, the area will become exceptionally troublesome and will prove to be extremely difficult to clean. Bacteria will then find its way deeper within the gum tissue and to the bone. This could cause many difficulties – including the loss of teeth.

Pocket reduction surgery helps eliminate this bacterium. It also aids in cutting back the gum tissue and repairing any bone that has suffered damage. If you have been told that you must have pocket reduction surgery or “osseous surgery”, continue reading to learn more about this procedure.

The Goal

When scheduled for pocket reduction surgery, the ultimate goal is to reduce the large pockets that has been created due to disease of the gum tissue.

This is a necessary procedure to eliminate bacteria and to prevent the gum disease from advancing to such a degree that is damages the teeth, the jaw bone, and results in the loss of teeth.

The Procedure

In most instances, pocket reduction surgery lasts approximately 2 hours. You will be provided with a numbing agent directly to the gums. Once completely numb, the periodontist performing the procedure will cut along the gum lines.

Then, the tissue will be pulled back. Once the space is open, the bacteria will be thoroughly removed from the area. If the periodontist finds that any of the bone underneath the gums is abnormally shaped or damaged, they will smooth down those areas.

If the damage is extreme, you may have to undergo a regeneration technique so that the bone may be restored. Immediately following these steps, the gum tissue will be put back into place and stitches will be inserted. Following this, periodontal dressing will be placed over the area.

Alternative Measures

Prior to ordering pocket reduction surgery, there are several alternative measures that may be utilized. These include scaling and root planing, the use of antibiotics, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, and even guided regeneration of the tissues. If these methods do not seem to be assisting in the issue, a periodontist will order pocket reduction surgery.

We Can Help

Do you suffer from gum disease? If so, you may be a good candidate for pocket reduction surgery. We here at Implant & Perio Center of Kansas will help with alternative treatments to see if we can reverse the damage.

If we find that alternative methods are not helping you, you may then be provided with a medical order to have pocket reduction surgery performed.

This is a safe, simple, and highly effective technique for reversing the effects of gum disease and providing a boost to your oral health. If you would like to learn more or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today!