How are Periodontal Pockets Treated?

Periodontal pockets form when the gum tissue pulls away from teeth in response to the inflammation and swelling that occurs as a result of plaque and tartar buildup. The pockets between the teeth and gum tissue can become quite deep and offer bacteria the perfect environment to breed. More plaque and tartar develop in these hard-to-clean pockets, and eventually, the bone around your teeth will be at risk. Our periodontist in Los Angeles will recommend a personalized treatment program for you.

The first step in treating these pockets is cleaning them thoroughly. This usually requires a procedure called scaling and root planing, or SRP. SRP is a deep-cleaning procedure designed to clean the pockets around the teeth and remove all of that plaque and tartar buildup. After the teeth have been scaled, the roots will be planed, which means that they will be smoothed. This makes it easier for the gum tissue to heal and reattach.

In early stages of periodontitis, SRP may be enough to control the infection and allow the gums to heal. In later stages, surgery may be needed. Pocket reduction surgery is a procedure used to tighten the gum tissue around the teeth. Gum grafts and bone grafts can also be helpful. Call our office today to learn more about your gum treatment options or to schedule a consultation with our expert in treating periodontal pockets in Los Angeles.