(870) 802-1500
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, has many symptoms, including bleeding, red, and swollen gums. But another symptom is gum pockets.
What Are Gum Pockets?
Normally gums should fit around the tooth snugly, but gum disease can cause gaps between the gums and the tooth. These gaps are called gum pockets and are normally found under the gum line. This is a particularly dangerous symptom of gum disease since the space can get filled with bacteria and cause tooth loss.
How Do You Treat Gum Pockets?
Treatment for gum pockets depends on the severity of the gaps. Deeper pockets will need more extensive treatment. Only a dentist can determine which is the best gum treatment option for you.
Professional Cleaning
Scaling & Planing
Pocket Reduction Surgery
If you have a mild case of periodontal disease with shallow gum pockets, you may only need a professional dental cleaning with a proper dental hygiene routine at home.
Other cases may need more aggressive treatment. One option may be scaling and root planing. This dental procedure will remove bacteria from around the teeth and give the gums a chance to re-attach themselves to the tooth.
Another option may include pocket reduction surgery. In this procedure, a portion of gum tissue is lifted to expose the tooth root so that a deeper scaling and root planing can take place.
How Do You Prevent Gum Pockets?
Gum pockets are a symptom of gum disease which is easy to prevent. All it takes is a proper dental hygiene routine. A person should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, and regularly visit their dentist for checkups.
General Services at Troy Bartels, DDS
We believe in providing the best comprehensive dental care to all of our patients. If you have concerns about your gum health or need a dental checkup, please give us a call. We can schedule an appointment at a time convenient for you. We look forward to ensuring that you have a healthy and happy smile on your face.
