Pocket Reduction Surgery
Pocket Reduction Surgery in Pasadena, TX
Gum disease is a serious infection that damages the tissues and bone that support your teeth. Because of that, your teeth can become loose or even fall out. Even though periodontitis is preventable, it’s a common dental problem that may require oral surgery services. If you develop the disease, the dentist might recommend pocket reduction surgery Pasadena, TX.
What Is Pocket Reduction Surgery?
Your gums and bone should fit perfectly around your teeth. When you have periodontitis, pockets form around your teeth as the infection destroys the tissues and bone.
Eventually, the pockets become deep and give bacteria more space to grow and live. The depth makes it too difficult for you to clean away the bacteria with daily brushing and flossing. As a result, you suffer from further tissue and bone loss and could lose your teeth.
Also called gingival flap surgery, this procedure is a treatment for the disease. It involves separating your gums from your teeth and temporarily folding them back. Then, the dentist can reach your teeth roots and bone.
Usually, pocket reduction surgery is for people who have moderate to advanced periodontitis. Also, the dentist doesn’t typically start with flap surgery. Instead, he performs nonsurgical treatments first.
Is Flap Surgery Risky or Painful?
You’ll likely have some mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after pocket reduction surgery. However, over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs can reduce the pain and swelling. There’s a risk of infection and continuous bleeding as well. If your symptoms persist for more than three days, contact the dentist.
Furthermore, your teeth might be more sensitive to cold and hot drinks and foods after the procedure. Your gums will be more likely to recede over time, and you’ll be more likely to develop root cavities too. For these reasons, it’s important to maintain regular dental checkups to keep these issues under control.
The Surgery From Preparation to Follow-up Care
Before the dentist performs gingival flap surgery, he must know about your health conditions and medications. This information helps him determine if the surgery is safe for you and if you need to go to get urgent dental care in Pasadena, TX. If it is, he’ll remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. You’ll also receive local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
Next, the dentist will separate your gums from your teeth using a scalpel. He’ll lift and fold the gums back to form a flap. Then, he’ll remove inflamed tissue from between your teeth and any holes in your bone.
Afterward, the dentist will perform scaling and root planing. The purpose is to clean out the plaque and tartar on the teeth roots and bone. He might perform osseous recontouring to remove any holes in your bone as well. This procedure involves smoothing the edges with a rotating brush or files.
Finally, the dentist finishes the pocket reduction surgery Pasadena TX by placing your gums back against your teeth. He’ll stitch them in place and may cover them with a periodontal dressing or bandage. The stitches may dissolve on their own. If not, he’ll remove them in 10 days.
Following the surgery, you need to keep your mouth clean while the surgical wounds heal. Brush and floss the rest of your mouth as usual. If a bandage doesn’t cover the wounds, gently brush over them to remove bacteria. You can also use antimicrobial mouth rinse to kill the bacteria and help the wounds heal.
Visit Laughlin Dental for Gum Disease Treatment
Do you suffer from pain in or around your teeth? Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? Consider visiting Laughlin Dental for a gum disease assessment. The sooner that we catch the infection, the more successful that nonsurgical treatment will be.
Aside from oral surgery services, Laughlin Dental provides a range of dental care for everyone in your family. Our treatments and procedures include:
Don’t ignore the symptoms of gum disease or delay getting treatment any longer. Visit Laughlin Dental for a full assessment and treatment options. Call 281-998-4916 to learn more about our pocket reduction surgery process.
Request an Appointment
Phone
281-998-4916
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM By Appointment Only