Understanding What Are Periodontal Pockets And How They Cause Gum Disease

What Are Periodontal Pockets?

Periodontal pockets are spaces or openings in the gum lining surrounding our teeth. These pockets are prone to infection-causing bacterial invasion, leading to gingivitis or periodontitis gum problems. Dentists in Pune recommend good oral hygiene practices to maintain healthy teeth and gums to keep such gum diseases at bay.

Not all pockets are immediately considered harmful. The ones with a bigger dimension that allows more bacterial invasion are a cause of concern. 

The size and severity of periodontal pocket dimensions can be studied as:

• 1-3mm- normal
• 4-5mm- mild or starting phase of pockets
• 5-7mm- moderate
• 7-12mm- severe

Risk Factors That Cause These Periodontal Pockets

The periodontal pockets formation are accelerated when:

• You do not maintain good oral hygiene by avoiding regular brushing or flossing
• If you consume foods that increase plaque formation or bacterial germination like sugary foods and drinks

However, some other risk factors too increase the chances of gingivitis, eventually causing periodontitis. Here is a list: 

• Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
• Pregnancy
• Any medication causing dryness in the mouth
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Vitamin -C deficiency
• Oral cancer
• Cancer treatments affecting the immune system
• Crohn’s disease

How Do These Periodontal Gaps Cause Gum Disease?

The periodontal pockets start with plaque deposition on teeth. Plaque is a thick sticky film accumulated on teeth, composed of bacteria and food debris. Since the gum linings are thin tissues, they allow the plaque bacteria to intrude in the lining, allowing bacteria to breed and cause Gingivitis. Gingivitis can be prevented by preventing plaque formation. Plaque can be prevented by regular brushing and flossing. However, when plaque is not removed, it may lead to the following consequences.

• Inflammation
• Infection
• Tartar 
• Dental calculus

Gingivitis, if unchecked, may lead to periodontitis, a serious gum disease.  Furthermore,  this condition may cause several other implications, such as: 

• Loose teeth leading to tooth loss 
• Inflammation on Gums
• Gum Abscess
•  Infection reaching the gum root and infecting the bone
• In severe conditions, periodontitis pain may reach up to the brain, and the condition will require one or multiple surgeries as the only gum treatment.

Hence, it is best to know the symptoms and avoid any advancement of gingivitis or periodontitis cases. Therefore, you may consult a dentist on observing gingivitis symptoms.

When Should You Consult a Periodontist?

If you see the following conditions, you must consult a dentist in Pune immediately:

• Inflamed gum lining on teeth
• Swollen gums
• Pain on tooth/teeth
• Abscess formation on gums

Periodontal Pockets Treatment In Pune

The diagnosis starts with a primary visit to a dentist. The dentist or the periodontist will physically examine the teeth and gums and check the gaps between gum lining and teeth. Finally, the dentist will resort to the following options, depending on the mouth’s condition.

• Professional Dental/ Periodontal Cleaning 

If the periodontal gaps are not more than 4-5mm, the periodontist chooses to clean the gums, removing plaque and tartar completely. The dentist will prescribe stringent oral hygiene maintaining norms, including flossing and brushing with medicated toothpaste.

• Scaling And Root Planing

This is a non-surgical approach that aims to resolve periodontal problems. The dentist uses hand-guided instruments such as curates and scalers. These are ultrasonic waves and laser-based devices rolled over the tooth/teeth and gum lining to remove bacteria, plaque, and hard tartar from around the teeth and give it a smooth appearance. In some cases, where the infection permeates to roots, intensive root planning and treatment such as root canal is given.

• Periodontal Pocket Reduction

This is also called flap surgery.  The dentist uses this surgical treatment when there is a deep pocket or bone loss, but the tooth can be saved. In the surgery, the gum lining flap is removed to expose the teeth roots. After eliminating infection or mending the bone loss, the flap is replaced with sutures.

To avoid any advanced consequences, one must ensure good oral hygiene followed by regular dental visits, once every six months. The dentists can help arrest dental and periodontal problems in the initial stage, giving you a healthier and brighter smile. Consult our team and book an appointment for the best gum treatment in Pune.