If your gums are irritated or receding, you may be wondering what procedures will help shrink periodontal pockets. When your gums become loose and no longer fit snugly around your teeth, bacteria, and plaque can accumulate underneath them. This can cause significant damage to your gums and teeth, and if not addressed, it can lead to unstable teeth or even tooth loss.
Brushing and flossing will not reach the bacteria deep within the diseased pockets of your gums, therefore you should see a periodontist. There are several techniques available to assist decrease or repairing gum pockets and keep germs or plaque from accumulating in the future.
What exactly are periodontal pockets?
Gum tissue and bone generally hold teeth in place.
When you have gum disease, tissue erosion can occur, resulting in gaps known as pockets that surround your teeth. These pockets can collect and retain bacteria, causing damage to the jaw bone where teeth are secured in sockets.
Periodontal pockets are measured in millimeters. A millimeter is approximately the width of a credit card. One inch equals 25.4 millimeters.
Not all pockets are immediately deemed hazardous.
Size and severity of periodontal pockets
- 1 to 3 mm: normal
- 4 to 5 mm: early or mild periodontitis; gum disease is present
- 5 to 7 mm: moderate periodontitis
- 7 to 12 mm: advanced periodontitis
The periodontal pocket process begins with gingivitis, which is a gum infection caused by plaque buildup in the mouth.
Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria and food particles that form on the teeth. Daily brushing and flossing can help eradicate plaque. When plaque is not removed, it can lead to:
- infection
- inflammation
- dental calculus
- further advancement of gum disease
- tartar
When gingivitis goes untreated, it develops into periodontal disease, which has different degrees of severity. Periodontitis is the term used to describe the advanced stages of periodontal disease.
Throughout this process, plaque continues to eat away at gum tissue and, eventually, bone, creating pockets around teeth to deepen and expand.
What Treatments Are Available to Treat Periodontal Pockets?
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing help to deep clean the periodontal pockets. This process eliminates plaque and bacteria from the teeth and behind the gum line. Scaling and root planing help to reduce periodontal pockets and heal gum tissue. This treatment helps to prevent additional infection and maintains your teeth and gums looking and feeling good. After scaling and root planing, most patients report that their gums recede less and are recovered.
Gingival Flap Surgery
Gingival flap surgery involves folding back the gum tissue and removing the diseased tissue. The gum is then reattached, and the region is smoothed to prevent bacteria from entering again.
Gingivectomy
This surgery cuts away the excessive tissue around your teeth. This allows people to clean their teeth more easily and prevents bacteria from collecting in the gums.
Gingivoplasty
A gingivoplasty operation aims to remodel the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. During this operation, gum grafts can be used and sewn into a place where the gums have retreated.
The appropriate treatment will be determined by the severity of the patient's periodontal pockets. During the consultation phase, we conduct a thorough evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan. Our experts will review the suggested treatment and inform the patient of all available alternatives for treating their periodontal problems. Treating gum disease is critical and can save you a lot of grief in the future.
How can I prevent periodontal pockets?
Whatever the underlying cause, lifestyle practices can significantly reduce the incidence of gum disease and periodontal pockets.
Try the following to prevent periodontal pockets:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.
- Use a fluoridated toothpaste.
- Use a mouthwash that combats and dissolves plaque.
- Flossing regularly helps to remove bacteria and food particles from between teeth.
- If you have a dry mouth, use a mouthwash without alcohol.
- Quit all tobacco use.
- Eliminate sugary foods and drinks from your diet.
- If you eat candy, drink soda, or any other sugary substances, always rinse with water immediately afterward.
- Avoid junk food.
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