Pocket Depth Reduction and Osseous Surgery in Northville
When periodontal disease has already caused tissue and bone loss, pocket reduction surgery restores the snug fit gum tissue and bone are supposed to have around your teeth.
Request an AppointmentWhy Pocket Reduction Surgery Is Needed
As periodontal disease progresses, it destroys the tissue and bone that normally hold your gums firmly against your teeth. When that support is lost, gum tissue can become loose and fall away, creating deep pockets that are difficult or impossible to clean effectively through normal brushing, flossing, or even professional cleaning alone.
When This Procedure Is Recommended
Pocket reduction surgery is typically recommended when pockets become too deep to clean during daily oral care and routine professional cleanings. Any unclean area of the mouth becomes a place for bacteria to hide and multiply, so leaving deep pockets untreated allows infection to keep spreading.
What the Procedure Involves
During surgery, gum tissue is carefully folded back so disease-causing bacteria and infected tissue can be thoroughly removed. The gum tissue is then repositioned and secured snugly around the tooth root and bone, closing off the pocket and giving your gums a real chance to heal and reattach properly. In some cases this is combined with guided bone regeneration if significant bone loss is also present.
Why It’s Not the Only Step
Eliminating bacteria alone isn’t enough to keep periodontal disease from returning permanently. Reducing pocket depth combined with consistent daily oral hygiene gives you the best chance of maintaining healthy gums and teeth long-term. Our Oral Hygiene page covers the daily habits that support lasting results after surgery.
What to Expect From Our Team
Our staff is here to help you feel comfortable throughout the entire process and to answer any questions along the way. Most patients see real improvement in their gum health and get back their healthy, confident smile.
If you have any questions about pocket reduction surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (734) 542-9904.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need pocket reduction surgery?
If periodontal pockets are too deep to clean effectively through daily care and professional cleaning alone, pocket reduction surgery is typically recommended.
Is pocket reduction surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under anesthesia to keep it comfortable, and post-op discomfort is typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
What happens during the surgery?
Gum tissue is folded back so bacteria and infected tissue can be thoroughly removed, then the tissue is repositioned and secured snugly around the tooth.
Will I still need to maintain good oral hygiene after surgery?
Yes, reducing pocket depth is only part of the solution — consistent daily oral hygiene is essential to keeping periodontal disease from returning.
Is this the same as osseous surgery?
Pocket reduction surgery and osseous surgery are closely related, often performed together to address both soft tissue pockets and underlying bone irregularities.
How long is recovery after this procedure?
Recovery time varies by case, but most patients see healing progress over the following weeks with proper post-operative care.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call our office at (734) 542-9904 to schedule an evaluation and find out if pocket reduction surgery is right for you.
