Posted on December 18, 2023
Deep gum pockets can be an unwelcome adversary in oral health, often signalling the onset of gum disease. These pockets are created when the gums pull away from the teeth, creating spaces that leave the area susceptible to harmful bacteria. Left untreated, these pockets can lead to severe complications like tooth loss and bone damage. Instead, you should intervene by visiting a periodontist near you. Preventing gum pockets involves consistent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. However, when these pockets deepen, seeking the expertise of a periodontist in Whitby becomes crucial, where interventions like periodontal flap surgery are vital to addressing the issue effectively.
At The Perio Centre, Dr. Adam Ohayon and our team of experts will help you understand the underlying cause of these deep pockets and provide you with quality treatment options that protect the longevity of your teeth and the health of your gums.
Causes of Deep Gum Pockets Caused by Gum Disease
Gum pockets are primarily caused by gum disease, with its leading culprit being poor oral hygiene. When plaque builds up along the gumline, bacteria flourish and trigger inflammation, causing the gums to recede from the teeth. This process forms pockets that harbour more bacteria, exacerbating the issue.
Moreover, factors like smoking, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and certain medications can elevate the risk of gum disease and deepen these pockets. It’s crucial to recognize the signs indicating the presence of these pockets and their potential progression. When gum pockets worsen, they can cause additional challenges such as infections and tooth loss, which require prosthetics like dental implants for treatment. For dental hygiene and other helpful solutions, visit a leading periodontist near you like Dr. Adam Ohayon at The Perio Centre.
Signs of Deep Gum Pockets
Detecting gum pockets requires vigilance. Symptoms may include persistent bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, gum recession, and, in later stages, loose teeth. Regular check-ups with your periodontist in Whitby allow for early detection, preventing the escalation of gum disease and the formation of deeper pockets. By staying on top of gum disease and starting any necessary periodontal treatments early, you can prevent gum pockets from forming and even save your natural teeth.
Treatments for Deep Gum Pockets
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home becomes imperative. Using antimicrobial mouth rinses and prescribed medications by a periodontist in Whitby can aid in controlling bacterial growth and preventing the progression of gum disease. But as gum disease progresses, more proactive and effective treatments are beneficial.
Tartar & Plaque Management
Before surgical intervention, your periodontist may recommend treatments for deep gum pockets, such as scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning method performed by a dental professional. This procedure removes plaque and tartar below the gumline, allowing the gums to heal and potentially reducing pocket depth.
Periodontal Flap Surgery
When pockets deepen significantly, intervention through periodontal flap surgery might be necessary. This procedure involves lifting the gums to thoroughly access and clean the roots, removing tartar and bacteria. The gums are then repositioned to reduce pocket depth and promote better attachment to the teeth.
Bone Grafts & Gum Regeneration
In severe cases, regenerative procedures such as guided tissue regeneration and bone grafts might be recommended to restore damaged bone and tissues supporting the teeth. These procedures aim to reverse some of the damage caused by deep pockets. When performed by Dr. Adam Ohayon and the experienced team at The Perio Centre, these options can promote better oral health outcomes so you can live with a healthier smile.
Protect Your Gums with The Perio Centre
If you’re facing challenges with gum disease or have noticed the formation of pockets around your gum, there’s still time to fix it with skilled and careful intervention. At The Perio Centre, our team provides custom treatment options designed to meet the needs of each patient individually. Book a consultation with Dr. Adam Ohayon and the team today to learn how we can restore your gum health with guided tissue regeneration, periodontal flap surgery, dental implants, and more.