Periodontal Pocket Reduction

When your gums start pulling away from your teeth, it’s not just a cosmetic concern—it’s a sign that gum disease is digging deeper. These small gaps, called periodontal pockets, might seem harmless at first. But over time, they become the perfect place for bacteria to hide, multiply, and do long-term damage.

The deeper the pocket, the harder it is to clean. And if left untreated, those hidden spaces can lead to bone loss, gum recession, and eventually, loose or lost teeth. That’s why periodontal pocket reduction surgery in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA exists—to step in where brushing and flossing can’t reach and give your gums a real chance to heal.

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What Causes Periodontal Pockets?

It all starts with plaque. When bacteria in your mouth aren't removed thoroughly, they harden into tartar. That buildup irritates your gums, causing inflammation. As the inflammation worsens, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth—creating that pocket. The bigger the gap, the more bacteria it can hold, and the deeper the damage goes.

Eventually, these pockets become too deep for even professional cleanings to be effective, and that’s when surgical intervention becomes necessary.

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What Is Periodontal Pocket Reduction?

This surgical procedure is designed to reduce the depth of the gum pockets and stop gum disease from progressing. Here's what happens during the treatment:

• The gum tissue is gently moved back to expose the tooth roots and surrounding bone.
• We clean out the bacteria, tartar, and any diseased tissue that’s built up.
• If needed, we smooth out the bone to create a more even surface.
• Then, the gums are repositioned and sutured for a snug, healthy fit.

The goal? Eliminate infection, tighten the seal between the gums and teeth, and make it easier to keep the area clean moving forward.

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Is This Procedure Right for You?

Pocket reduction isn’t for everyone—but it’s incredibly effective for people who have:

• Gum pockets deeper than 5mm
• Ongoing gum infections despite routine care
• Bone loss around one or more teeth
• Trouble keeping certain areas clean with brushing or flossing
• A history of periodontitis that hasn’t responded fully to non-surgical treatments

If you’ve already had deep cleanings (like scaling and root planing) and your gums still aren’t improving, this procedure may be the solution.

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Healing and Aftercare: What You Can Expect

You’ll be numbed before surgery, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Recovery is typically straightforward—most patients feel mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, which is easily managed with over-the-counter medications.

We’ll give you clear instructions for post-op care, including:

• How to clean the area gently
• What foods to avoid for a few days
• When to return for follow-up visits

Healing usually happens quickly, and the long-term benefits are well worth the brief downtime.

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Why Pocket Reduction Matters for Long-Term Oral Health

This isn’t just about managing symptoms. By reducing the depth of gum pockets, we’re giving your teeth and gums a chance to thrive. Benefits include:

• Less space for harmful bacteria to hide
• Better outcomes from regular brushing and flossing
• Improved gum attachment
• Reduced risk of tooth loss
• Stronger foundation for future dental work

The truth is, you can’t fix what you can’t reach. Pocket reduction gives you access—and control—over areas that have been compromised by disease.

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Ready to Restore Balance Below the Gumline?

Deep pockets can lead to deep problems, but it doesn’t have to get that far. With pocket reduction surgery, we can clean up the damage and help your gums reestablish a secure, healthy connection to your teeth.

Let’s talk about your gum health.

If you’ve been told you have deep pockets or signs of advanced gum disease, schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA. We’ll examine your needs, explain your options, and build a plan that brings your oral health back into balance—one pocket at a time.