One of our most important services at Lehigh Valley Smiles in Easton is cleaning patients’ teeth below the gum line. While tooth roots ideally fit snuggly into their gum pockets, nothing can stop small amounts of bacteria and plaque accumulating in them over time. During a deep cleaning, our hygienists will remove harmful materials which patients can’t reach on their own. However, there are times when the gum pockets have been damaged and require a bit of minor surgery to fix.
As bone and soft material decays, gum pockets become larger. The increased space gives bacteria more room to grow, accelerating the decay process. After the bacteria has been removed, Dr. Dilsaver may need to cut an incision into a healthy gum, pull a flap of it over the enlarged pocket, and sew it shut. More severe cases may require a gum graft—when soft material is transferred from one part of the mouth to another. Closing off the gum pockets not only denies bacteria a home, it also protects exposed tooth roots. Patients should experience much less sensitivity after undergoing pocket reduction.
Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD, operates Lehigh Valley Smiles at 2601 Nazareth Road, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18045. To schedule an appointment, call 610-252-7414 or visit LehighValleySmiles.net and fill out a contact sheet.
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