Pocket Reduction and Gum Surgeries

Quick Summary

When gum disease creates deep pockets around the teeth, bacteria can hide below the gumline where brushing, flossing, and even routine cleanings may not reach. Pocket reduction surgery, also called periodontal flap surgery, allows a periodontist to clean out infection deep under the gums and, when needed, smooth or reshape damaged bone so the gums can reattach in a healthier position. The goal is to reduce pocket depth, control inflammation, and make it easier for you to keep the area clean at home so you can hold onto your natural teeth longer.

Key Takeaways

• A periodontal exam that measures pocket depths and checks bone levels shows whether deep pockets are present and how advanced the disease is.
• Pocket reduction surgery targets bacteria and buildup below the gumline that can keep gum disease active even with good home care.
• By reducing pocket depth, the procedure can make daily brushing and cleaning between teeth more effective and lower the risk of reinfection.
• Treating deep pockets early can help preserve teeth and avoid more complex treatment later, including extractions and tooth replacement.

When a patient suffers from periodontal disease in Brentwood, their gums and teeth begin to decay, creating a whole host of aesthetic and health issues in the mouth. Gums become infected with the disease and begin to recede, creating pockets within the gums that can host harmful bacteria, making fighting periodontal disease a challenge.

At the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy, we offer a variety of pocket reduction and gum surgeries to West Los Angeles patients to repair any damage done to your smile by periodontal disease. Our board-certified periodontists, Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky, also serve as professors at the prestigious Ostrow School of Dentistry of University of Southern California (USC).

If you would like to talk to one of our expert board-certified periodontists about improving your smile with one of these corrective surgeries, contact us today!

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Pocket reduction surgery is a deep cleaning of the roots and other surfaces of the teeth under the gum line where bacteria and plaque get trapped and cause further harm.  Because periodontal disease can wither the gums and cause them to recede, it is important to clean under the gum line and remove the harmful bacteria.

As a restorative procedure, our periodontists not only remove the trapped bacteria from under the gums, they also smooth out irregularities in the damaged gum and bone to limit the places where bacteria can hide.

Gum Grafts in Brentwood

Gum grafts, also known as gum lifts, can help correct an uneven gum line. If your gums have receded due to trauma or periodontal disease, your teeth may look unnaturally long, affecting your self-confidence. Our CENTER periodontists can perform gum grafts to restore symmetry to your natural gum line. Although gum grafts are primarily used for cosmetic reasons, they may also improve your oral health by covering exposed roots and reducing the risk of root sensitivity to cold or hot liquids.

Bone Grafts

Bone grafts are an excellent treatment for patients who are attempting dental implants but have a jawbone that is not strong enough to support a titanium anchor. Bone grafting thickens the jawbone for successful placement of dental crowns, but the treatment can also be used to fill craters in the jawbone or to restore bone around your teeth lost from periodontal disease.

In this procedure, our expert periodontists harvest grafting material from the patient or from an artificial bone, which is then packed into a small opening made into the jawbone. Once the jawbone heals, other restorative procedures such as dental implants can be performed.

Call The Center for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy Today!

At the CENTER, improving your life and self-esteem through improving your oral health is our top priority. We offer excellent and professional periodontal services in Brentwood to restore your beautiful smile and treat the symptoms of periodontal disease. Call us today to schedule your consultation at (310) 826-8242.

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