Pocket Reduction Surgery in Fort Myers FL

Pocket reduction surgery, sometimes referred to as osseous surgery or gingivectomy, refers to a number of different surgeries aimed at gaining access to the tooth roots to remove tartar and disease-causing bacteria.

Benefits of Pocket Reduction Surgery

Pocket reduction surgery is used to remove pockets in the surrounding teeth. It is a common necessity for the effective treatment of periodontal diseases. More advanced stages of periodontal disease are often treated with bone grafts which build back the lost bone.

The ultimate goal of pocket reduction is to reduce or eliminate the periodontal pockets that cause periodontal disease. Despite the word “surgery” the procedure is reported to feel more like a thorough cleaning. Benefits of this surgery include:

• Reduction of Bacterial Spread:
  Bacteria from the mouth can spread throughout the body and cause other life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease. Removing deep tartar and thereby bacteria can help reduce the risk of bacteria spreading.
• Preventing Bone Loss:
  The immune system’s inflammatory response prompted by periodontal bacteria can lead to bone loss in the jaw region, and cause teeth to fall out. Osseous surgery seeks to stop periodontal disease before it progresses to this level.
• Enhancing the Smile:
  Mouths plagued with periodontal disease are often unsightly. Discolored gums, rotting teeth, and ridge indentations can leave a person feeling depressed and too self-conscious to smile. Fortunately, osseous surgery can help reduce bacteria and disease and thereby restore your mouth to its former radiance, while restoring confidence at the same time.
• Facilitating Home Care:
  As the gum pocket deepens, it can become nearly impossible to brush and floss adequately. Osseous surgery reduces pocket size, making it easier to brush and floss, and thereby prevent further periodontal disease.

What does the procedure entail?

A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area prior to surgery. First, the gum tissue will be released around each tooth of the affected area . This allows access to the bone and roots of the teeth. After the roots have been thoroughly cleaned through scaling, special instruments  will be used to reshape the deformed unhealthy bone around the teeth. Bone is contoured in some areas to restore the normal rise and fall of the bone and gum. Bone grafting may also be necessary to fill in large defects.

Next, the gums will be replaced over the  bone and sutured in place. The site may also be covered with a bandage (periodontal pack) or dressing. Pain medicine and mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine are generally prescribed following the surgery.

Do not be alarmed if bleeding and swelling occur after the surgery. This can be controlled easily by placing an ice pack on the outside of the affected area. In cases where the bleeding and swelling is in excess, it is advised that you call to notify our office. Several follow up visits may be necessary and you must fulfill a meticulous maintenance program especially during the initial phases of healing to avoid post-operative infection.