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What Is Gum Pocket Reduction?

Gum pocket reduction treatment improves your oral and physical health. Your general dentist may recommend gum pocket reduction surgery by a specialist.

Periodontist and Dental Implant Specialist Dr. Lee Cohen provides gum pocket reduction treatment. Dr. Cohen offers most patients two options for care. Those options are traditional gum pocket reduction surgery. And, Dr. Cohen performs the LANAP procedure. With LANAP the are no scalpels and no sutures. 

The cost for both options for gum pocket reduction is about the same. We invite to learn more about which option is best for you. If you have questions, please call Ali at 561-691-0020 to schedule a consultation. 

Why Reduce Gum Pockets? 

It’s natural to have gum pockets. Your gum pockets form below the gumline next to each tooth. But gum pockets can deepen too much. Gum pocket growth is often the result of gum disease and bacteria growth. Deep, infected gum pockets are a risk to your health.  Risks include: 
 

• Loss of teeth and bone.
• Painful infection that can spread to your bloodstream.
• Increased likelihood of heart disease and stroke. 
• By treating infected gum pockets, you reduce risks to your health. 

Gum Pocket Reduction Surgery or LANAP Laser Care? 

What’s best gum pocket reduction surgery or LANAP? It’s important to understand your options. In our practice, most people choose LANAP. LANAP is a more comfortable, less invasive option. Sometimes, traditional gum pocket surgery is your best option. 

How LANAP Works 

Dr. Cohen was one of the first periodontists in Florida to use LANAP technology. LANAP treatment and surgery have the same success rate. But, LANAP is a less-invasive, lower risk procedure. LANAP is a three-step treatment protocol designed for comfort.

Step 1: With a laser, Dr. Cohen gently removes harmful bacteria from gum pockets. 

Step 2: Guided ultrasonic scalers remove calculus under the gum line while stimulating healthy bone tissue growth. A benefit for long term oral health.

Step 3: Using a soft-tissue laser, Dr. Cohen stimulates gum tissue regrowth. This supports a rapid recovery. 

After LANAP care, most patients prefer to rest a few hours. You can expect to feel good the next day. 

What Happens During Pocket Reduction Surgery?

Pocket reduction surgery is an in-office treatment. Surgery takes about two hours. 

Before your surgery, Dr. Cohen reviews sedation options with you.  Most patients select twilight sedation which is not general anesthesia. With twilight sedation you rest during care. A companion will need to accompany you to and from your appointment. Dr. Cohen numbs your mouth. You will not feel the surgery. 

Dr. Cohen makes a tiny cut along your gumline. Then, he folds your gums back and removes bacteria. Dr. Cohen refines areas where the bone is unevenly shaped. In some cases, Dr. Cohen uses bone grafts and regenerative tissue. This is to repair damage and restore bone health. 

After removing the bacteria and repairing damaged tissue, Dr. Cohen gently stitches your gum tissue into place. Then, he covers your gums with dressing that resembles bubblegum.

What Happens After Pocket Reduction Surgery?

Dr. Cohen calls a few hours after your gum pocket reduction surgery. He checks in with you or your companion. Additionally, a member from our care team calls a few days later to discuss how your recovery progress. 

Before your surgery, we review post-surgery instructions. Also, we give you written instructions to take home. Some common instructions for post gum pocket reduction surgery include: 
 

• Use warm saltwater or antiseptic for mouth rinse.
• Application of cold compresses to ease swelling.
• Take anti-inflammatory medicines for the first 48 hours after treatment.
• Avoid strenuous physical activities following the procedure.
• Hold off tobacco use.
   

You can expect to resume your normal activities a few days after surgery. You will have a follow up visit with Dr. Cohen two-weeks post-surgery. 

For more on pocket reduction treatment, please visit Palm Beach Center for Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at our office in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Call (561) 621-3111 to book an appointment today.