Understanding Periodontal Pockets and How They are Treated

Gum disease affects many people worldwide and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Beyond your mouth, gum disease has been linked to various health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications. Unfortunately, many patients in the San Marcos, California areas don’t realize they have gum disease until it takes a serious toll. One of the chief signs of gum disease is periodontal pockets, and at Shadowridge Dental Group, we will explain what they are and how they are connected to your dental health.

What are periodontal pockets?

You may hear your dentist calling out numbers during your dental exams as they examine your gums. These numbers enable the dentist to establish the development of gum tissue pockets and their depth. This way, your dentist can have an accurate picture of your gum health.

When your gums are healthy, they sit comfortably against the teeth to enhance your appearance and protect your teeth. While your gingival tissue may appear as though it’s directly connected to your teeth, there is actually a space between the gums and the teeth. This space is called the sulcus and is usually 2-3 millimeters deep for a healthy smile. A periodontal pocket is a typical symptom of gum disease if it’s more than 3mm.

Periodontal pocket treatment

Early stages of periodontal disease can, in many cases, be reversed with diligent brushing and flossing your teeth alongside dental cleanings. However, if we spot several deep pockets when probing your gums, we will recommend a deep cleaning. Another treatment option, root planing, smooths out your tooth roots to discourage the growth of harmful bacteria. It also encourages the reattachment of healthy gums to the teeth.

Other treatments for gum disease include:

• Antibiotic therapy, including topical or oral antibiotics
• Periodontal surgery to remove diseased tissues
• Gum and bone grafting to restore healthy tissue

Are you concerned that you may have gum disease? Please dial (760) 284-8111 to schedule an appointment with Shadowridge Dental Group for periodontal disease treatment. We can’t wait to help you achieve your healthy smile.