Periodontal disease that is left untreated has the potential to cause many other severe issues. Examples include damage to the bone, the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth, and an increased risk of experiencing extremely complicated health conditions such as the development of diabetes or even a stroke.

In its earliest stages, the disease is possible to reverse through good oral hygiene practices. As the disease increases in severity, more comprehensive measures will have to be taken. One of these is pocket reduction surgery. If you have been informed by a dental professional that you require pocket reduction surgery, you should continue reading to learn more about the procedure.

 What Is Pocket Reduction Surgery All About?

Pocket reduction surgery is a procedure performed with the purpose and intent of removing bacteria that has become trapped in the area between the gums and the teeth. This is most often required when the oral condition has led to a severe infection and is considered to be in the advanced stage. In some instances, it may be performed alongside other procedures with the most common ones being tissue regeneration and/or a bone graft.

 What Happens During the Procedure?

At the beginning of the pocket reduction surgery, the professional performing the procedure will administer a local anesthetic. This will help to numb the area and relax you. It is a necessary step to ensuring your overall comfort level during the surgery. Once the anesthesia kicks in, the surgeon will pull back on the gum tissue of the affected area. This is necessary to expose the accumulated plaque and tartar in the impacted area of the mouth.

Next, the bacteria will be extracted from the region and in close proximity to the roots of the teeth. If the surgeon observes any diseased gum tissue, that will be removed, too. If the bone in the area is rough or has an irregularly shaped surface, the surgeon will then smooth out or completely reshape it. This helps prevent bacteria from re-accumulating in and around the area. In the final part of the process, the surgeon will suture the gums up so that the pocket size is drastically reduced. This also helps in ensuring successful tissue re-attachment during the healing process.

What Happens After Pocket Reduction Surgery?

Immediately following a pocket reduction surgery, you are likely to experience some degree of swelling (in most cases, minor) and a little discomfort. You may use a cold compress on the area for comfort. You may be prescribed a medication for pain or informed which over-the-counter medication is most beneficial for pain. For two weeks, a diet of only soft-foods should be consumed. This will help ensure that your mouth heals properly.

Contact Us Today

If you have periodontal disease and have been informed that a pocket reduction surgery is necessary, contact us today. We have the skills and expertise to perform this procedure, as well as any others that may need to be performed in combination with the initial surgery. Simply contact our office now by calling: 316-330-4050