Gum Surgery (Pocket Reduction)

It is used when periodontal disease has destroyed supporting gum tissue and bone, creating pockets where bacteria can live and advance beneath the gumline.

Periodontists are trained to provide comfort measures, including sedation or anaesthesia, during gum surgery.

The operation removes bacteria from the pocket and can smooth irregular damaged bone surfaces, limiting places where bacteria can hide.

Deep pockets can keep enlarging as bacteria advance beneath the gum. Removing bacteria and smoothing irregular bone aims to help the gum reattach to healthy bone.

The periodontist folds back the gum, removes disease-causing bacteria and, when needed, smooths irregular bone before securing the gum tissue into place.

After the damaged area has been cleaned and the tissue secured, the aim is for gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone.

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical option that cleans below the gumline and smooths tooth roots; many patients need ongoing maintenance afterward.

Deep pockets can become a larger space for bacteria, leading to advancing disease, bone loss and tissue loss; severe bone loss can result in extraction.

Scaling and root planing cleans beneath the gumline and smooths root surfaces; laser treatment has shown similar results to specific non-surgical options, including scaling and root planing alone.