Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Surgical periodontal therapy is also known as periodontal pocket procedures or pocket reduction therapy. It is performed to gain greater access to the roots of teeth and underlying bone for further debridement and to reshape bone lost during the disease process. Periodontal pocket surgery allows better access to clean at home and in the office following treatment.

Benefits of treatment include elimination of deep bacterial infection below the gums, restoration of gum attachment and bone health, prevention of further tissue (bone and gum) and tooth loss, reduction of inflammation and bleeding, promotion of easier at-home care and long-term stability

Surgical periodontal therapy is occasionally coupled with other therapies such as regenerative periodontal therapy (bone grafting) and is always coupled with periodontal maintenance to reinforce and maintain the removed plaque and calculus and other bacterial toxins from periodontal pockets and sustain the tissue reattachment achieved following surgical periodontal therapy.

What to Expect:

• Comprehensive Examination
  • Your visit begins with a thorough periodontal and oral examination and digital imaging to assess tissue health, measure pocket depth and gum recession, assess bone loss and screen for oral cancer. Dr. Holden creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, diagnosis and comfort level.
• Scaling & Root Planing
  • Performed to remove plaque and calculus (tartar or the hard deposits that form on teeth) and other bacterial toxins from periodontal pockets and to smooth roots to prevent future adherence of plaque, calculus and toxins.
  • Includes oral hygiene instruction to help patients learn how to maintain the deep cleaning, immediately after the appointment and in the future.
• Re-Evaluation
  • A re-evaluation of the findings from the comprehensive exam appointment, following healing from scaling and root planing.
• Surgical Periodontal Therapy
  • Performed to gain greater access to the roots of teeth and underlying bone for further debridement and to reshape bone lost during the disease process. Periodontal pocket surgery allows better access to clean at home and in the office following treatment.
  • Surgical periodontal therapy is occasionally coupled with other therapies such as regenerative periodontal therapy (bone grafting) and is always coupled with periodontal maintenance.
• Periodontal Maintenance
  • More frequent maintenance cleanings following scaling and root planing as well as all types of periodontal surgery.