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Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Dangers of Gum Pockets

Alta Loma Dental Care’s treatment options include a number of surgeries which can help patients struggling with the effects of periodontal disease. Most of these focus on restoring teeth, but we also have ways to limit the damage caused by bacteria before teeth need to be replaced. Gum pocket reductions are one of our most common procedures and can prevent the need for more extensive interventions later on.

As plaque accumulates below the gum line, acids stick to it, resulting in the decay of bone and gum tissue in contact with the plaque. The empty spaces the decayed tissues leave behind become a home for bacteria, exacerbating the decay process. These pockets can’t be reached with home hygiene products, which is why our hygienists need to do deep cleanings.

Ridding pockets of plaque and bacteria colonies won’t prevent them from coming back. That’s why our doctors will want to reduce the pockets or eliminate them entirely. This could be as simple as making an incision in a healthy part of the gum, stretching it, and fastening it in its new position with a suture, or it could require a full gum graft. Hopefully, patients will have an easier time maintaining oral hygiene after undergoing pocket reductions, and they may find that their teeth roots are less sensitive and visible.

Drs. Michael and Jessica Kim operate Alta Loma Dental Care at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

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