Periodontal Pocket Reduction Microsurgery

Periodontal Pocket Reduction Microsurgery

Pocket reduction microsurgery is designed to eliminate the places under the gums where bacteria hide from your floss and the hygienist’s attempts to clean it out. Dr. Korn recommends this treatment only when other more conservative treatment options have been attempted without resulting in healthy gums.

Dr. Korn performs pocket reduction microsurgery with local anesthesia and always under high magnification in a “minimally invasive” manner. This treatment is one step above scaling and root planing in the treatment spectrum. While periodontist perform scaling and root planing blindly, using instruments to feel for clean roots, pocket reduction microsurgery is performed with just enough visibility to remove infection and ensure that roots are visibly clean. Healthy gum tissue is never removed as a result of this surgery.

Periodontal Pocket Reduction Microsurgery Procedure Process

During the procedure, the periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes any bacteria. If the bone has irregularities they are smoothened to allow the gums to reattach to thealthy bone to reduce the size of the pocket. A bone graft or guided tissue regeneration may be required if there is severe bone loss before attaching the gum tissue to the tooth to ensure the procedure is successful.

Periodontal Pocket Reductions Microsurgery Post Procedure Care

Post-procedure we recommend avoiding foods that could aggravated the area such as spicy foods or hard crunchy foods. You may experience some minor bleeding and swelling within the first 24 hours post-procedure. Patients can manage post-procedure discomfort with using over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen or Advil.

Benefits of Periodontal Pocket Reduction Microsurgery

Periodontal pocket reduction microsurgery can have the following impacts on your overall dental health and appearance.

  • Reduction of oral bacteria that can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
  • Stop or reverse the loss of bone to preserve the natural structure of your tooth.
  • Make cleaning and maintenance of the tooth and gum more manageable
  • Improve the look and feel of your overall smile.

Is a periodontal pocket reduction microsurgery painful?

During the procedure we minimize any areas of discomfort to ensure the process is as painless as possible. After the procedure, patients can manage any mild pain with over-the-counter medications.

How long does a periodontal pocket reduction microsurgery?

Pocket reduction surgery is a single-day procedure that usually takes anywhere between one to two hours.