Pocket Reduction

Pocket Reduction, also known as Osseous surgery, is a procedure we may recommend to treat periodontal disease. As the condition progresses, our team strives to reduce the depth of the “pockets” that form between the teeth and the gums. If deep cleanings and other periodontal treatments have not successfully reduced the pocket depth, your doctor may recommend osseous surgery. This procedure is designed to smooth and reshape bone that has been damaged by periodontal disease. This provides access to properly maintain these areas, as well as to create a shallow pocket that makes it more difficult for bacteria to survive.

During the osseous surgery procedure, we will numb the area, after providing your determined level of Sedation, and lift the gum tissue away from the teeth and underlying bone. We then thoroughly clean and smooth the root surface and recontour the bone surrounding the root. The surface of the bone may have become uneven due to destruction caused by periodontitis, and smoothing and reshaping the bone creates a better surface for the repair and development of healthy tissue. Next we trim the gum tissue to match the new underlying structure and then stitch it in place. The final step is to check your bite, complete any bite adjustments to eliminate harmful or excessive contact spots, and ensure your bite is just right.

In some cases, we may also suggest Bone Regeneration to supplement the bone regeneration process.