Gum Pocket Reduction
Each procedure is tailored to each individual patient because no two cases are the same as no two people are the same. That’s why we take the time to provide all the details about each case and procedure.
Gum pockets are small spaces that can form between the gums and teeth when gum disease causes the gums to recede, or pull away from the teeth. These spaces become an ideal location for bacteria to accumulate and eventually migrate below the gum line, which can cause tissue deterioration. Gum pocket reduction surgery is performed to re-establish health, remove excess bacteria, and reduce the depth of these pockets in order to prevent bone deterioration and comorbidities. Reducing the depth of gum pockets also makes it easier to effectively clean around the gum line and can prevent future complications.
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You will need gum pocket reduction surgery if our periodontist determines your gum pockets are too deep to clean properly with daily oral hygiene or professional care. To determine the depth of your gum pockets, our periodontist will use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets. To determine if you can benefit from gum pocket reduction surgery, schedule a consultation with our Flushing, Queens periodontist at Dental Solutions New York.
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The gum pocket reduction procedure at Dental Solutions New York starts with a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once you are numbed, our periodontist will use instruments to access the tooth roots of the teeth and deep pockets. Excess bacteria will then be removed and any areas of damaged bone will be smoothed to prevent the future accumulation of bacteria. Finally, the gum tissue will be tightly sutured around the teeth in order to encourage reattachment to the teeth.
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After having gum pocket reduction surgery, it is normal to experience some minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days. In order to ensure that your surgical site heals properly, our periodontist will provide you guidelines to follow after surgery.
At a glance, these can include:
Diet: Eat soft foods for the first day and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot foods and beverages for the first day since they can cause excess bleeding or burns.
Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. water) 24 hours after surgery, then 4-5 times daily for the first few days. Be gentle while brushing your teeth to prevent disturbance to the surgical site.
Medications: Take any antibiotics or pain medications as directed.
Activity: Rest for the first 2-3 days and start to resume normal activities no sooner than day 3 post op.