Pocket Reduction Surgery
New Bedford, Falmouth, & Hyannis, MA
Pocket Reduction Surgery provided by Dr. Gus Dehni
and Dr. Chris Webb
in New Bedford, Falmouth, & Hyannis, MA at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
 Poor oral hygiene is the single biggest cause of gum disease. All the time patients spend skipping flossing or brushing their teeth only contributes to the development of progressive and damaging gum disease. While your parents and the dental professionals who have treated you in the past may have always told you to brush and floss, they were right.
Without proper brushing and flossing the naturally occurring bacteria in the patient's mouth will continue to grow and damage both the soft tissue of the gums, as well as the hard tissues of the teeth and jawbones. When patients have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, it is very important to have it assessed as soon as possible to avoid the invasive and potentially costly surgical treatment options necessary. Please come in today to see us at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry for an assessment. We are always available.
What is Pocket Reduction Surgery?
Pocket reduction surgery is a surgical procedure which starts with our periodontist creating an opening in your gums. It can also be referred to as a gingivectomy, osseous surgery, or flap surgery.
Opening the gums lets our periodontist clear any remaining bacteria from the space.
One of the most commonly used surgical interventions for gum disease is pocket reduction surgery. Gum disease involves an accumulation of plaque in the pockets between your teeth and gums. Over time, these pockets will grow in depth and be difficult for our professionals to adequately clean using regular scaling techniques.
During pocket reduction surgery, our professional will administer a local anesthetic and make a small incision on your gum line at the location of the pockets being targeted for the surgery. They will then scale and plane the roots of your teeth and suture the incisions closed in a manner to reduce the size of the pockets.
Why is Pocket Reduction Surgery Needed?
When detected early, gum disease can be treated with non-surgical procedures and an improvement in oral hygiene practices. However, more advanced gum disease will require surgical intervention.
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or are experiencing symptoms, then it is time to come see our team at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry so our professionals can develop a custom treatment plan.
Benefits of Pocket Reduction Surgery
With advanced stages of periodontitis, you will probably experience disintegration of your bone and gum tissue. When this happens, you will experience changes in your facial structure, and certain everyday activities will become difficult. This disease also makes maintaining oral hygiene more difficult. This puts you at risk of additional infection as time passes.
Pocket reduction surgery helps address the effects of gum disease and seek to repair the damage and discomfort caused by the condition.
The Pocket Reduction Surgery Procedure
Also known as flap surgery, pocket reduction surgery is one of the most common ways of treating advanced gum disease. The surgery is relatively simple, so there will likely be minimal to no preparation required beforehand.
You will receive local anesthesia to numb any discomfort and we will lift your gums to create a flap of tissue. The bacteria will be cleaned out before the flap is reattached. This reattachment is where we reduce the bacteria-filled pockets that form between your teeth and gums. By pulling the flap snug around your teeth, we can get rid of these pockets where bacteria can lurk beyond the reach of a toothbrush.
Aftercare and Recovery for Pocket Reduction Surgery
The recovery time for the surgical treatment option of pocket reduction surgery is relatively brief. Most patients are able to resume normal activities the same day as the procedure and only experience mild tenderness in their gums for a few days to a week after the procedure. Our team will provide you with a list of guidelines and recommendations to help you avoid irritating the surgical site.
Common FAQs About Pocket Reduction Surgery
Is Pocket Reduction Surgery Painful?
Pocket reduction surgery is not considered painful. You will be given local anesthesia during the procedure so you will not feel any discomfort while the dentist lifts your gums and cleans the open pockets. The gum surface will be smoothed and secured using stitches. This part of the procedure allows the gum to reattach to the teeth and bone tissue.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Pocket Reduction Surgery?
Your gums may feel a bit tender for a few days after the procedure. We usually recommend over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compress or ice pack to help reduce any inflammation. Patients usually do well to avoid hard or sticky foods as well.
Are There Any Risks or Complications Associated with Pocket Reduction Surgery?
Pocket reduction surgery is often performed when other non-surgical treatments have not been effective in managing advanced gum disease. The potential benefits of the surgery, such as halting the progression of periodontal disease and preserving the supporting structures of the teeth, often outweigh the risks.
Before undergoing pocket reduction surgery, it's essential to have a thorough discussion with our dentist. They will assess your specific oral health needs, explain the procedure, discuss potential risks, and provide guidance on post-operative care to help minimize complications and ensure a successful outcome.
Can Pocket Reduction Surgery Help with Gum Disease Prevention?
Scaling and root planing, which involves scraping the root to remove bacteria and smoothing out the root of the tooth, can make it harder for bacteria to cling to the surfaces. This can be done in addition to pocket reduction surgery, to help keep the gums healthy and free of disease.
How Can I Maintain the Results of Pocket Reduction Surgery?
Patients need to always perform self-examinations while they are brushing and flossing. They can easily notice changes in their oral pathology. No one but the patient is better to notice if their gums are discolored or they have an odd sore on their gum line. They can also notice strange ulcers on the roof of their mouths or discharge where the gums meet the base of the tooth. We are able to give a thorough exam and make the proper recommendation as to the best treatment protocol available to treat the disease if found in a patient's mouth.
The soft tissues in your mouth, or mucosa, are smooth and pink when healthy. Changes in the color or texture of your intraoral tissues can indicate oral health issues. These issues might be benign or malignant, but they should be treated right away. We can diagnose some pathological diseases, including oral cancer, and provide you with the treatment you need.
Improve Your Periodontal Health with Pocket Reduction Surgery in New Bedford, MA
No matter your current oral health state or how advanced your gum disease, our professionals at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry can help. If you would like to learn more about pocket reduction surgery and our other great treatment options or are ready to start your journey to a healthier smile, you can schedule your appointment by calling us at . |
