Effective Treatment For More Severe Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum disease is a common dental issue that affects millions of Americans. It starts as an inflammation of the gums but can progress to a more severe stage known as periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. One of the most effective treatments for advanced gum disease is pocket reduction therapy. If you’ve been experiencing more advanced gum disease symptoms, Our Belvidere/Rockford dentists may be able to help you recover with this procedure.
What Is Pocket Reduction Therapy?
Pocket reduction therapy, also known as gum disease surgery or osseous surgery, is a surgical procedure used to treat advanced gum disease. It involves removing bacteria and calculus from the roots of the teeth and reducing the size of the pockets between the teeth and gums. The procedure aims to eliminate the source of infection and promote the growth of healthy gum tissue.
The Benefits of Pocket Reduction Therapy
Helps Prevent Tooth Loss: By eliminating the source of infection, pocket reduction therapy can help prevent tooth loss and other dental issues.
Reduces Pocket Depth: It can help reduce pocket depth and promote healthy gum tissue growth.
Improves Overall Oral Health: Pocket reduction can improve your overall oral health by reducing inflammation, preventing bone loss, and promoting healthy teeth and gums.
Lowers the Risk of Systemic Health Issues: Advanced gum disease has been linked to various systemic health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. By treating gum disease, pocket reduction therapy can lower the risk of these issues.
Who Qualifies for Pocket Reduction Therapy?
Not everyone with gum disease needs pocket reduction. Your dentist will evaluate the severity of your gum disease and determine whether you qualify for the procedure. Generally, pocket reduction therapy is recommended for patients who have:
- Advanced gum disease
- Deep pockets that cannot be cleaned with regular brushing and flossing
- Gum recession that has exposed the roots of the teeth
The Pocket Reduction Therapy Process
Pocket reduction therapy is performed by a periodontist or a general dentist with advanced training in gum disease treatment. Here are the steps you can usually expect:
Consultation
Before you undergo pocket reduction therapy, you’ll undergo a consultation with one of our Belvidere dentists. During your consultation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, review your medical history, and ask you about your smile goals. The information they gather will allow them to determine if pocket reduction is the right treatment option for you.
Now is a good time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. If you’re feeling nervous, we offer sedation dentistry, which we can use during your procedure to keep you calm and relaxed.
Scaling and Root Planing
If you’ve been approved for pocket reduction therapy, you’ll undergo scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning procedure that involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the roots of the teeth and the pockets between the teeth and gums. Your dentist may use ultrasonic instruments, hand instruments, or a combination of both to perform the cleaning.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
After scaling and root planing, your dentist will perform the pocket reduction surgery. This involves making small incisions in the gums to access the roots of the teeth. Your dentist will then remove any remaining bacteria and calculus from the roots and reshape the bone around the teeth. In some cases, bone grafts or other regenerative materials may be used to promote the growth of new bone tissue.
Sutures and Healing
Once the procedure is complete, your dentist will use sutures to close the incisions and promote healing. You may experience some swelling and discomfort after the procedure, but this should subside within a few days. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums during the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize any pain or discomfort. After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, but your dentist will provide instructions on how to manage these symptoms.
The recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s overall health. Generally, it takes a few days to a week to recover from pocket reduction therapy. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums during the healing process.
It’s possible that you may need to take a day or two off work to rest and recover after the procedure. However, many patients resume normal activities the day after the procedure.
The frequency of pocket reduction therapy depends on the severity of your gum disease and your overall oral health. In some cases, one procedure may be enough to treat the condition. However, some patients may need to undergo multiple procedures over several months to achieve optimal results.
