Pocket Reduction Surgery

The overarching goal of periodontal therapy is to retain teeth. In some cases, conventional treatments such as improved oral hygiene, scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance are insufficient to improve periodontal pockets. If bacterial plaque and inflammation are too far under the gumline to be accessed by deep cleaning and homecare, periodontal surgery is recommended.

Dr. Brancheau will perform an examination and review your radiographs and periodontal charting with you. We aim to be as conservative as possible, and will only recommend surgery if it appears to be the best option. We will review the procedure as well as risks and benefits every time. A surgical procedure takes about 45 minutes to one hour, and is performed under local anesthesia. The best way to think about it is as a surgical deep cleaning and for many patients it feels no different than that. After you are numb and comfortable, Dr. Brancheau will gently access and clean the teeth, roots and reshape the gums and bone in the area that was affected by disease. Sutures are placed and you will be seen for a 2 week post-op appointment to make sure everything is healing well. We will then review your future oral hygiene instructions, maintenance program and schedule a 3 to 6 month check up.

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