Pocket reduction surgery (also known as gingivectomy, osseous surgery, and flap surgery) is a collective term for a series of several different surgeries aimed at gaining access to the roots of the teeth in order to remove bacteria and tartar (calculus).
The human mouth contains hundreds of different types of bacteria at any given time. There are specific bacteria found in plaque under the gum line that cause the body to react with an inflammatory response that can ultimately lead to periodontal disease.
Periodontal infections cause a chronic inflammatory response in the body that literally destroys bone and gum tissues once they invade the subgingival area (below the gum line). Gum pockets form and deepen between the gums and teeth as the tissue continues to be destroyed.
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which, if left untreated, causes massive bacteria colonization in gum pockets can eventually lead to teeth falling out. Pocket reduction surgery is an attempt to alleviate this destructive cycle and reduce the depth of the bacteria-harboring pockets.
Reasons For The Pocket Reduction Surgery
Pocket reduction surgery is a common periodontal procedure that has been proven effective at eliminating bacteria, reducing inflammation and saving teeth. The goals of pocket reduction surgery are:
- Reducing bacterial spread – Oral bacteria have been connected to many other serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Oral bacteria can travel to various parts of the body from inside the bloodstream and begin to colonize. It is important to decrease bacteria in the mouth in order to reduce the risk of secondary infection.
- Halting bone loss – The chronic inflammatory response induced by oral bacteria leads the body to destroy bone tissue. As the jawbone becomes affected by periodontal disease, the teeth lose their rigid anchor. When the teeth become too loose, they may require extraction.
- Facilitate home care – As the gum pockets become progressively deeper, they become incredibly difficult to clean by the patient. The toothbrush and dental floss cannot reach to the bottom of the pockets, increasing the risk of further periodontal infections.
- Enhancing the smile – An oral cavity that is affected by periodontal disease is not attractive to the eye. In fact, smiles may be marred by brown gums, rotting teeth, and ridge indentations. Pocket reduction surgery halts the progression of gum disease and improves the aesthetics of the smile.
What does pocket reduction surgery involve?
Before recommending treatment or performing any procedure, our doctors will perform a thorough examination in order to assess the condition of the teeth, gums and underlying bone. This information allows your doctor to evaluate the causes and effects of periodontal disease and develop the most appropriate plan for treating the damages caused by the disease and minimizing its potential for future destruction. If pocket reduction surgery is found to be the most appropriate treatment, it is performed under local (numbing) anesthesia with or without some form of sedation depending on the preferences of the patient.
The gums are gently pulled back from the teeth and bacteria and calculus (tartar) will be eliminated. Scaling and root planing will generally be required to fully remove the ossification (tartar) from the surface of the tooth root. If the root is not completely smooth, a planing procedure will be performed to ensure that when the gums do heal, they will not reattach to rough or uneven surfaces.
The gum is then sutured with tiny stitches that are left in place for 1-2 weeks. Though the gums and teeth may be more sensitive immediately following the procedure, this is usually temporary. There will be a significant reduction in pocket depth and a vast improvement in the condition of the teeth and gums.
If you have any questions about pocket reduction surgery or treatment for periodontal disease, please contact our doctors at Tampa Bay Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.
