Pocket Depth Reduction
Can I Avoid Gum Surgery?
Bacteria around the teeth cause inflammation and bone loss. If the pockets are 4-5 millimeters (mm), simple ultrasonic scaling can done to shrink the pockets back to 3 MM or less (You can't clean deeper than 3 MM). If the pockets are deeper, the bone has become cratered. Scaling will not make that go away. The hygienist or dentist cannot clean deeper than 5mm.
What Is Gum Surgery?
Periodontal or Gum Surgery will eliminate the pockets and give you back a maintainable mouth. This can be done with sedation and pain pills for 2-14 days. If you can't clean it, you can't keep it.