Pocket Reduction Surgery in San Francisco
Protecting your tooth’s root and promoting a healthy smile.
Osseous Surgery
Fighting the effects of advanced periodontal disease.
The alveolar bone is the bone structure that contains your tooth sockets. When this bone develops deformities and pockets, Dr. Pasquinelli and Dr. Olivares may recommend osseous surgery. The surgery is primarily used to eliminate pockets that cause periodontal disease. The procedure feels like a professional teeth cleaning as it is a minor surgical procedure.
Osseous surgery has many benefits:
Your comfort is paramount during each surgery we perform. Therefore, our team numbs the area before starting and explains each step of the procedure. To begin, your San Francisco periodontist releases the gum tissue from the bone. We next use scaling to clean the inside of your tooth and then reshape the bone around the tooth. Occasionally, Dr. Pasquinelli and Dr. Olivares need to remove some bone and may use bone grafting to fill large defects. To complete the surgery, your doctor will place the gums over the remaining bone and suture them into place. A dressing is used to keep the repaired gums clean and healthy.
Gingivectomy
This periodontal procedure eliminates excess gum tissue to beautify your smile.
The term “gingivectomy” is derived from Latin: “gingiva” means gum tissue, “-ectomy” means to remove.
Occasionally, patients can suffer from long, thick gums that make their natural teeth look short. This can occur for a number of reasons, such as inflamed or diseased gums. The good news is it can be treated with a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy begins with the affected areas being numbed. Then our periodontists in San Francisco remove the excess gum tissue with a scalpel or laser. The majority of gingivectomies can be carried out without the need for stitches and the post-treatment only includes a small amount of pain medication. This simple procedure can help achieve the following:
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Antigone S. (Actual Patient)
Frenectomy
Your frenum connects your lips to your gums at the front of your mouth (upper and lower). If this muscle attachment is not positioned correctly, it can cause gum recession (if it pulls) or even prevent a space between your front teeth (if too large).
To prevent these issues, our surgeons can release the frenum from your gums. This is recommended when orthodontic treatment is needed because it provides more stability and thus facilitates a successful treatment.
FAQs About Pocket Reduction Surgery
What is pocket reduction surgery?
Pocket reduction surgery, also called osseous surgery, is a periodontal procedure used to reduce deep gum pockets where bacteria collect around the teeth. By making these areas easier to clean, the procedure helps control advanced gum disease and protect your oral health.
When is pocket reduction surgery recommended?
Pocket reduction surgery is often recommended when periodontal disease has created deep pockets and bone irregularities that cannot be managed with routine cleanings or home care alone. It is typically used for more advanced stages of gum disease.
What happens during osseous surgery?
During osseous surgery, the area is numbed, the gum tissue is gently opened, bacteria and buildup are removed from around the tooth roots, and the bone may be reshaped. In some cases, bone grafting is also used to repair larger defects before the gums are sutured back into place.
Does pocket reduction surgery help prevent tooth loss?
Yes, pocket reduction surgery can help prevent tooth loss by reducing bacterial accumulation, slowing the progression of periodontal disease, and limiting the bone deterioration that can weaken support for the teeth.
Will pocket reduction surgery make brushing and flossing easier?
Yes, one of the goals of pocket reduction surgery is to reduce the depth of gum pockets so daily brushing and flossing become more effective and comfortable. This can make long-term home care easier and help prevent future gum disease progression.