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The Process Of Healing Periodontal Pocket

By Mattie Knight


Periodontal pocket is a term used in dental medicine to refer to the presence of a depth of an abnormal size of the gingival sulcus. The depth occurs near the contact point between the tooth and gingival tissue. People with periodontitis are also likely to experience these pockets although it is not obvious. Healing periodontal pocket can be a stressful process and there might never be full recovery.

The causes of pockets in the mouth are many and diverse. One cause, which is also very common is break down in gum tissues causing a separation from teeth. Once the separation has occurred, space is created which is then filled with bacteria from the mouth. Bacteria multiply quickly and do more damage that leads to the space widening a lot over time. Healing process usually involves removing the bacteria physically and filling the space that is left behind.

The formation of pockets usually takes place around the teeth and if left unattended to, the problem only gets worse. The bacteria destroy the bone and tissue around the spaces so severely over time. When the loss of bone and tissue has occurred too much, there is pain which differs in the amount of degree. Teeth may eventually need to be removed because of this condition. Failure to get the problem solved may lead to loss of all teeth in the mouth eventually.

Periodontal pockets are treated depending on how severe they are. During their initial stages, the bone is usually still intact, but gum tissue is damaged. Gaps at stage measure 4-5 millimeters in depth. Formed calculus can be removed through a process called scaling and root planning. Pain may be felt during this process and some dentists dumb gums to avoid it.

Pain should stop immediately the process is complete. Plaque reforms if oral hygiene is not maintained properly. Better results will be achieved if flossing and brushing are done daily. Health is restored in a matter of months when gums shrink back to cover the gap.

If gums are swollen, they may fail to shrink back into the original position. A dentist has to trim such gums back. A gingivectony is the instrument used for trimming gums backward. If not trimmed, the gums form spaces with teeth and recurrence of pockets is eminent.

Damaged bone may have irregular surfaces that need to be smoothened so that gum tissue reattaches easily to healthy bone. In moderate cases, pockets measure between 5-7 millimeters and scaling and root planning is ineffective. Therefore, flap surgery is used.

Flap surgery opens the tooth to allow easy access to space for cleaning the bacteria and other substances deposited. After the surgery, it is hard to the gum tissue to reconnect to the tooth. If that happens, the patient has to rely on regular visits to a hygienist to control reoccurrence of the problem. More advanced stages of pockets makes recovery and chances of keeping the tooth much harder.




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