The periodontal pockets are holes or pockets that form between the gum and the bone of the tooth, and there may be one or more than one and adopt different sizes depending on their severity.
These holes, also called periodontal pockets, contain a accumulation of bacteria that if not treated could destroy the bone and finally the tooth would be lost.
How do periodontal pockets arise?
Its about more advanced stage of gingivitis or periodontitis. It appears when these two conditions have not been treated correctly at the time and as a consequence periodontal pockets or sacs have developed.
The gingivitis is a periodontal disease which manifests itself through swollen gums along with their redness and possible bleeding. It consists of the first phase of periodontitis, so if it is detected early, it can be addressed in a less invasive way.
Poorly resolved gingivitis leads to periodontitis, which consists of a deep gum infection. In the most severe cases, pockets of plaque and bacteria develop in the periodontal tissue that can present serious problems in the patient's dental health. However, if the infection is mild, a dental curettage, a dental scaling or root planing.
In all phases it is need to visit a periodontist to determine the involvement of the gums and recommend the most appropriate treatment in each case. In this way we will avoid the formation of periodontal pockets and in the worst case, the loss of teeth.
How to remove periodontal pockets?
Case 1: gingivitis
In the early stages of gingivitis, the periodontal pockets have not yet formed, so it should be enough with a dental cleaning that removes tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums.
Case 2: Periodontitis
Here the periodontal sacs will have begun to form, so it will be necessary to reach the bottom of the periodontal pockets and completely remove the tartar deposits.
For the smaller bags (up to 3 millimeters): it will be enough with a professional hygiene with ultrasound.
For plus size bags (from 4 to 6 millimeters): proceed to the scaling and root planing.
Case 3: very advanced periodontitis
If this situation is reached, the only solution will be resort to surgery to reduce periodontal pockets (pockets larger than 6 millimeters).
The intervention consists of separating and lifting the mucosa that surrounds the bone of the tooth, to reach the deepest areas of the pockets and remove all the accumulated tartar, cleaning and disinfecting the area.
In cases where there has been bone loss, it will be necessary to perform a Bone graft.
How to know if you have periodontal pockets?
In Clinics Dr. Vilar are experts in periodontal diseases with more than 30 years of experience.
Book your appointment here and we will check the state of your gums. or call us at 932 01 71 52.
