Periodontal Pocket Reduction Surgery
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis and is reversible when caught early enough. If it isn’t, it progresses to advanced gum disease or periodontitis that breaks down the bond between your teeth and gums.
As gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, pockets of bacteria form along the gumline. Your dentist or hygienist can treat gingivitis, but the deep pockets formed by advanced gum disease are impossible to reach, even with a deep cleaning treatment.
When periodontal pockets can’t be cleaned sufficiently with non-surgical methods, our periodontist Dr. Jeffrey Hsu recommends periodontal pocket reduction or osseous surgery.
What Is Periodontal Pocket Reduction Surgery?
Without treatment for advanced periodontitis, bone and gum loss will continue, which puts you at increased risk for tooth loss. At this stage, your regular dentist would refer you to a specialist like Dr. Hsu for periodontal pocket reduction.
To access the inside of the pocket, Dr. Hsu makes a small incision and then removes disease-causing bacteria. He then smooths damaged bone to minimize areas where bacteria can collect and help gum tissue reattach to teeth.
We Ensure Your Comfort during Your Procedure
Our compassionate professional team understands that being referred to a periodontist for surgery creates anxiety for many people. Rest assured that your comfort and well-being are of the utmost importance to us. Our priority at Smile Again Periodontics is to create an experience where you feel safe, secure, and confident about your treatment.
Before we begin, Dr. Hsu will numb your gums with a strong anesthetic so you won’t feel anything. We also offer oral conscious sedation to help take the edge off of any anxiety you feel.
What to Expect after Pocket Reduction Surgery
It's common to experience soreness for several days after pocket reduction surgery. Dr. Hsu will likely prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash and antibiotic to combat any lingering infection, and you should use both as instructed. We will provide you with recommendations to follow a soft diet, rinse with salt water, and stop smoking as it seriously impairs your body’s ability to heal itself.
We will also schedule follow-ups to evaluate your periodontal condition at two weeks and 4-6 weeks following surgery. We will then work with your referring dentist to determine an appropriate regimen for regularly scheduled periodontal maintenance.
What Are the Benefits of Periodontal Pocket Reduction?
Our goal at Smile Again Periodontics in Temple City, CA is to help our patients avoid discomfort and finally feel proud of their smiles again.
Because pocket reduction surgery reduces inflammation and prevents bone loss, we can significantly minimize your risk for tooth loss.
By reducing the spread of oral bacteria, we can also help minimize your risk for serious health conditions like heart disease that have been linked to oral bacteria.
Treating advanced gum disease halts bone loss, leading to a change in your facial appearance, speech issues, and additional tooth loss.
Advanced gum disease creates cosmetic issues and negatively impacts your smile’s aesthetics. Treating advanced gum disease with pocket reduction leads to a healthier smile and a boost in your confidence and self-esteem.
Have You Been Told You Need Gum Surgery?
If your dentist has recommended advanced periodontal treatment, including pocket reduction, Dr. Hsu and the experienced professional team at Smile Again Periodontics can help you.
You don’t need a referral to see a periodontist, either; call our Temple City professional office to arrange an evaluation, and Dr. Hsu will partner with your general dentist to ensure a seamless workflow and outstanding care.
We are pleased to serve patients throughout the San Gabriel Valley, including Temple City, San Gabriel, San Marino, Arcadia, Rosemead, Alhambra, Arcadia, South Pasadena, Monrovia, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our patients commonly have questions about whether or not their dental insurance will cover treatments provided by a periodontist. Rest assured that at Smile Again Periodontics, we provide the highest quality of care at a very competitive price.
We’ll Help You with the Details
Additionally, we are contracted with various insurances, and we will actively help you get the greatest benefit you’re entitled to under your plan. If we are not contracted with your insurance, we will still work with them to maximize your benefits.
Without reviewing your specific insurance plan, it’s difficult to say with any accuracy what procedure and how much is covered and what your out-of-pocket expense may be.
Check with Your Insurance Provider
Many plans include benefits for advanced periodontal treatments, and your medical insurance may even cover the cost of dental implants. We’ll help you sort out the details, but it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company too.
Call Us with Your Insurance Questions
We want to make every aspect of your treatment as stress-free and convenient as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Temple City, CA periodontist’s office, and a helpful member of our team will be happy to assist you.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Jeffrey T. Hsu
Dr. Jeffrey Hsu received his D.D.S. degree from the USC School of Dentistry and followed that with a general practice residency at the UCLA School of Dentistry. After practicing general dentistry for a year, he decided to pursue his certificate in Periodontics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he was also afforded the opportunity to treat patients at the local Veterans Administration.
Dr. Hsu has developed skills in dental implant surgery, periodontal surgery, and site preservation procedures, including soft tissue and bone augmentation. Since the field of dentistry is ...