Your bone and gum tissue should ideally fit snugly around your teeth, similar to how a turtleneck fits around your neck. However, when you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone begin to deteriorate, resulting in the formation of "pockets" around your teeth.
Over time, these pockets can become deeper, creating a larger space for harmful bacteria to thrive. As these bacteria accumulate around your teeth, they can penetrate and spread beneath the gum tissue. Deeper pockets collect even more bacteria, leading to further loss of bone and tissue. Ultimately, if too much bone is lost, it may become necessary to extract the affected teeth.
Your periodontist has assessed the depth of your periodontal pocket(s) and has recommended a periodontal pocket reduction procedure. This recommendation is based on the presence of pockets that are too deep to be effectively cleaned through daily at-home oral hygiene practices and routine professional dental care.
During the periodontal pocket reduction procedure, your periodontist will gently fold back the gum tissue to access and remove the disease-causing bacteria. The gum tissue is then secured back into its original position. In some cases, irregular surfaces on the damaged bone may be smoothed to minimize areas where bacteria can hide. This smoothing process allows the gum tissue to reattach more effectively to the healthy bone.
Reducing the depth of these pockets and eliminating existing bacteria are crucial steps in preventing further damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease. These measures also help you maintain a healthy and functional smile. However, eliminating bacteria alone may not be sufficient to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Deeper pockets are more challenging for both you and your dental care professional to clean, making it essential to address and reduce their depth. By reducing the pockets and adopting a combination of daily oral hygiene practices and regular professional maintenance care, you can increase your chances of preserving your natural teeth and decrease the risk of experiencing serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.
If you are seeking periodontal pocket reduction in Edmonton, please contact Burnham Prosthodontics at (780) 250-7767 to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Burnham. Our practice is conveniently located at 9148 23 Ave NW Suite #225, Edmonton, AB, and we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.
