Gum Pocket Reduction

At Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, Dr. Falsey performs a number of dental restorations, including implants into the patient’s jaw bone. We hope, however, that we can catch gum disease before it advances as far as forcing someone to get an entire tooth replaced. Gum disease is often compounded by colonies of bacteria carving out new areas to expand to, and we offer surgical procedures to reduce or eliminate the pockets in which they live.

Bacteria produces acid as it feeds on tartar, and plaque traps acid, damaging tooth and gum tissue. As tissue dissolves, it leaves behind empty pockets which become filled with more bacteria or plaque, accelerating the decay process. These pockets are too deep to normally be reached by a patient’s brushing and flossing, which is why we recommend annual deep cleanings. Sometimes, the tooth roots will be smoothed to give bacteria fewer crevices to sneak into.

Still, the question remains as to what to do with the pockets. One solution is to pull healthy gum tissue across the area where decay was removed, and fasten it with sutures. Another is to perform a full gum graft, cutting a section of soft tissue from another part of the mouth and transferring it. Hopefully, the patient will be left with much less of a decay problem, and less sensitive roots.
Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit BayberryDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.