January 22, 2011

• Pocket Reduction Surgery

  Several of you have asked what this oral surgery is that I will be having done, (the end of Feb.)  so here is an explanation.

  First, I have had "pockets" that have to be probed (measured) each time I go in for my cleanings (every 3 months). They have just continued to get deeper, thus making it harder to remove bacteria and causing bone loss.
  We tried a nonsurgical treatment first called "Scaling", but unfortunately it did not work.

  So that is what now brings us to the pocket reduction surgery...
  The gum is separated from the tooth. It is lifted and rolled back, creating a "gum flap"
  Tartar is then removed from the root.
  The surgeon also removes diseased gum tissue.
  If needed, the bone is smoothed and reshaped.
  The gum flap is then sewn shut in a position that reduces pocket depth.
  Once the gum  is healed, the stitches will be removed.

  We will do the right side first. My gums will be numbed. I will also be given something for pain afterwards. Then after the stitches are removed & all is healed, we will do the left side.

  I am NOT looking forward to it! But it does need to be done. This just makes the pockets easier to maintain. They will never go away. Then we just hope that we can maintain them & that they don't get worse.
  I will still have to continue to go every 3 mos. for cleanings.

  • 4:43 pm
  • 14 Comments