Pocket Reduction Surgery

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria in the form of plaque that forms on your teeth.  As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. forming tartar.  When you have periodontal disease, the supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming pockets around the teeth. Over time these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. 

When pockets progress to a depth of 5mm or greater they become too deep to clean with standard at-home oral hygiene routines. The progressive build-up of bacteria beyond the depth that neither the patient nor dentist/hygienist can clean it now becomes necessary to reduce the depth of the pocket to facilitate plaque removal.

How Periodontal Surgery Can Save Your Teeth

Flap Surgery

A procedure that consists of gently lifting the gum tissue away from the teeth to clean off the tarter and bacteria from the root surfaces and repairs bone damages. Once this has been completed the surgeon will reattach the gum tissue in a new position. 

Osseous Surgery

The main goal of osseous surgery is to eliminate or reduce pockets formed by gum disease. This procedure involves separating the gum tissue from the teeth for reshaping and smoothing of the bone. This reduces irregular areas where bacteria grow.  The gum tissue is typically closed with dissolvable stitches or can be removed at the follow-up appointment.  After treatment is complete, the gumline will most likely be lower which may cause slight sensitivity which can be managed with fluoride treatment.  Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are needed to maintain the health of the gum tissue.

Gingivectomy

Is a surgical removal of gum tissue. This procedure is usually done before gum disease has damaged the bone supporting the teeth.   It's also used to remove extra gum tissue for cosmetic reasons, such as to modify a gummy smile. 

These procedures can be preformed comfortably in our office. To make your treatment more pleasant we can provide local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation medication (prescribed before treatment).