Periodontal pockets are spaces that form between your teeth and gums when periodontitis breaks down the supporting tissue. Once a pocket is deeper than 5 mm, even the best at-home brushing cannot clean it. Pocket reduction surgery removes the infection at the source and reshapes the area so it can be kept healthy.
Why pockets matter
Pockets are like little caves filled with bacteria. As they deepen, your immune system fights back by dissolving bone, which makes the pocket even deeper. Closing those pockets stops the cycle of bone loss and protects your teeth.
How the procedure works
- The area is fully numbed; sedation is offered for comfort
- A small incision allows the gum tissue to be folded back like a flap
- Tartar, biofilm, and infected tissue are removed from the roots
- Damaged bone may be reshaped or rebuilt with a bone graft
- The flap is repositioned snugly against the cleaned roots and sutured
Recovery and aftercare
- Mild swelling and discomfort for 3–5 days, managed with OTC pain relievers
- Soft food diet for the first week
- Antibacterial rinse twice daily
- Sutures removed (or dissolve) within 7–10 days
- Return to full brushing in the area at 2–3 weeks
Will my gums look different afterward?
Some recession is normal because the gums now sit at the new, healthy level. Teeth may look slightly longer and feel more sensitive for a few weeks. The trade-off is keeping those teeth for life. If aesthetics are a concern, ask about LANAP®, which preserves more tissue.
How effective is it?
Pocket reduction surgery has a long, well-documented track record of stopping periodontal disease and saving teeth that otherwise would have been lost. Combined with quarterly maintenance visits, most patients keep their results for decades.
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