Surgical & Emergency Care
Pocket Reduction Surgery in San Rafael, CA
Treating advanced gum disease at its source.
When gum disease creates deep pockets that cleanings can’t reach, pocket reduction surgery helps restore your gum health. At Dental Studio of Marin, this procedure removes hidden bacteria and reshapes tissue so your gums can heal and reattach.
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Pocket Reduction Surgery in San Rafael
As gum disease advances, the gums pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets that trap bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Once these pockets become too deep, even the most thorough cleaning can’t reach the bottom — and the infection continues to destroy the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. Pocket reduction surgery, also called flap surgery, addresses this by cleaning out those deep pockets and reshaping the tissue so your gums can fit snugly against the teeth again.
Why Pocket Reduction Is Needed
This procedure is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments aren’t enough to control advanced gum disease.
- Deep Periodontal Pockets Cleans areas too deep to reach with scaling and root planing alone.
- Ongoing Infection Removes stubborn bacteria driving continued gum and bone loss.
- Preserving Bone & Teeth Helps stop the progression that leads to tooth loss.
How the Procedure Works
During pocket reduction surgery, we gently fold back the gum tissue to access the roots and thoroughly clean away bacteria and buildup deep below the gumline. If the bone has been damaged, we may smooth or repair it before securing the gums back into place. This allows the tissue to reattach more closely to the teeth, shrinking the pockets where disease thrives.
Recovery and Results
After surgery, you’ll have some tenderness and swelling for a few days, managed with simple aftercare and any recommended pain relief. As you heal, your gums will fit more tightly against your teeth, making them far easier to keep clean at home. Most patients find that shallower pockets and healthier gums make maintaining their smile much more manageable going forward.
Protecting Your Smile Long-Term
Pocket reduction surgery is a powerful step, but keeping gum disease in check requires ongoing care. Diligent brushing and flossing, along with regular periodontal maintenance visits, keep bacteria from rebuilding in those areas. Together, we can protect the bone and tissue that support your teeth for years to come.
Pocket Reduction Surgery FAQ
- What is pocket reduction surgery?
- It’s a procedure that cleans deep periodontal pockets and reshapes gum tissue so the gums can fit snugly against the teeth again.
- Why do I need it instead of a deep cleaning?
- When pockets are too deep for scaling and root planing to reach, surgery is often needed to remove bacteria and stop further damage.
- Is the procedure painful?
- The area is numbed for your comfort during surgery. Some tenderness and swelling afterward are normal and manageable with aftercare.
- How long is recovery?
- Most patients recover within a week or two, following aftercare instructions and eating soft foods while healing.
- Will pocket reduction save my teeth?
- By halting the infection and bone loss that lead to tooth loss, it significantly improves the outlook for affected teeth.
- What happens if advanced gum disease is left untreated?
- Untreated, it can continue destroying the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
- Will I need ongoing care after surgery?
- Yes. Regular periodontal maintenance and good home care are essential to keep the disease from returning.
- How do I find out if I need this procedure?
- Contact our San Rafael office for an evaluation, and we’ll determine the best treatment for your gum health.
A MORE CONSIDERED APPROACH
Dr. Mehdi Salek, DDS
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