Procedures

Pocket Reduction

Periodontal (gum) diseases attack the gums and bone supporting the teeth. The tissues separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted.

A pocket reduction procedure may be recommended because you have pockets that are unhealthy and too deep to clean with daily oral hygiene and a professional recall program.

This treatment involves folding back the gum tissue, removing diseased tissues and bacteria, and thoroughly cleaning the exposed root surfaces. We may also smooth the damaged bone to help set up a more optimal healing environment.

Before Pocket Reduction This patient had advanced bone loss with pocketing. The gums were red, swollen, and bled easily. Arrows point to areas of severe periodontitis.	After Pocket Reduction Two years following treatment, this patient maintains healthy teeth and gums with routine periodontal maintenance. Note the pink, firm tissues that do not bleed.

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