Pocket Reduction Surgery (Osseous Surgery) in Los Angeles
Bacteria are constantly growing in our mouths. When these bacteria attach to the teeth and roots, pockets form between the teeth that lead to periodontal disease and destruction of the bone and gum tissues. If these pockets are left untreated, these bacteria colonize and spread, leading to tooth loss.
Pocket reduction procedures, also known as osseous surgery, is a process that allows Dr. Salamati access to the root surfaces of the teeth to remove tartar, minimize or eliminate the pockets in the alveolar bone, and present a more aesthetically pleasing mouth. As pocket reduction halts the progression of gum disease, it improves the overall look and health of your smile.
What Is Pocket Reduction?
Pocket reduction surgery aims to remove tartar and disease-causing bacteria from the tooth roots while at the same time reducing the size of the pockets between the teeth that cause advanced stages of periodontal disease. This treatment is accomplished by separating the gums from the teeth and bone, removing infected gum tissue, and reshaping the bone to prevent bone loss and the spread of bacteria. This is often the preferred treatment for advanced stages of periodontal disease.
Pocket Reduction Can:
- Reduce bacterial spread
- Reduce gum inflammation
- Prevent bone loss
- Prevent tooth loss
- Enhance the smile
- Ease at-home care
Your Pocket Reduction Treatment
Your Pocket Reduction Treatment
Gaining Access to the Teeth Roots
Gaining Access to the Teeth Roots
Local anesthesia is used to numb the affected areas. Dr. Salamati gently cuts around each tooth in the area to release the gum tissue from the teeth and bone, giving him access to the roots of the teeth.
Professional Deep Cleaning
Professional Deep Cleaning
Despite its name, osseous surgery is more like a deep, thorough dental cleaning. Dr. Salamati employs root scaling to remove tartar and bacteria from the surface of the tooth root and maintain healthy teeth.
Bone Reshaping
Bone Reshaping
Bone is reshaped to ensure that when the gums heal, they will not attach to an uneven surface. This may entail smoothing the bone in some areas with a drill and hand tools to restore the rise and fall of the bone, or it may involve using bone grafting to fill in large defects. Once the bone is smooth, the gums are redraped and then sutured in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Salamati may prescribe antibiotics and pain medications to ensure comfort. You may experience slight bleeding and swelling after the surgery. This swelling can usually be minimized by placing an ice pack on the outside of the treatment area. You will be given post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
When not properly managed, oral bacteria can travel through the bloodstream to various parts of your body and put you at risk for heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and stroke.
When gum pockets depth increase, it is very difficult to brush and floss them properly, as the toothbrush and floss cannot reach the bottom of the periodontal pockets. This difficulty increases the risk of further advanced periodontal infections.
The best way to prevent the need for periodontal surgery and other treatments for periodontal disease is by practicing proper at-home oral hygiene paired with routine visits to your dentist to maintain your overall oral health.
The cost of your osseous surgery will depend on several factors, including the extent of pockets to be treated, the number of teeth involved, and if bone grafting is required. Cost may also vary if additional procedures are combined with your osseous surgery. You will be provided a price quote during your consultation.
Like most dental surgeries, osseous surgery is pain-free thanks to the application of local anesthesia. Osseous surgery requires the use of a long-acting local anesthetic, and you will experience numbness in your lips, tongue, and gums for several hours after treatment. In the following days, you may experience inflammation, tenderness, and slight discomfort. This can be easily managed with pain medication. If you are anxious about dental treatment, we offer various sedation modalities to increase comfort.