Restore Oral Health with Pocket Reduction and Osseous Surgery

Every tooth has a pocket of gum tissue surrounding it that attaches to the root. When bacteria and food become trapped in these pockets, it can cause these pockets to get deeper and more challenging to clean, leading to periodontal disease. Eventually, the bacterial infection can lead to bone loss and other oral health problems if left untreated. Pocket reduction or osseous surgery is a safe and effective way to reduce these gum pockets around the teeth. The team at Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental in Burbank, California, can help if you have developed deep pockets due to gum disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a severe infection of the gum tissue that can lead to bone and tooth loss if not treated. It’s most often caused by poor oral hygiene and requires professional treatment from your dentist to eliminate symptoms and restore oral health.

Reasons for pocket reduction or osseous surgery

The ultimate goals of pocket reduction and osseous surgery are to halt the spread of bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent teeth and bone loss.

  • Halt the spread of bacteria – An abundance of oral bacteria can increase your risk of other serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
  • Stopping bone loss – Oral bacteria in the mouth lead to chronic inflammation, which can cause loss of bone tissue.
  • Improve the effectiveness of at-home oral care – As gum pockets become deeper, they are very difficult to clean, contributing to the infection’s progression.
  • Enhance the smile – Gum disease can wreak havoc on the appearance of the smile with things such as brown or indented gums. Pocket reduction surgery can dramatically improve the aesthetics of the smile.

What to expect with pocket reduction surgery

Depending on patient preference, pocket reduction surgery can be done under local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the gums are pulled back from the teeth to remove bacteria and tartar accumulation. This is done through a method of deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. Next, an antimicrobial liquid is applied to the pockets to remove any lingering bacteria and promote healing. The last step is to suture the gums back in place.

Learn more about pocket reduction and osseous surgery today!

If you have questions about the procedure or other treatments for periodontal disease, we’d love to hear from you. If you are in the Burbank, CA, area, call us at (818) 918-5533.