Pocket Reduction Surgery in St Luke's

Initial Consultation for Pocket Reduction Surgery

Pocket reduction surgery begins with a thorough consultation and assessment at London Dental Specialists. This crucial first step allows our experienced periodontists to evaluate your oral health and determine if this procedure is the most suitable treatment for your gum disease.

During your initial consultation, you can expect:

• Comprehensive oral examination: Our specialists will carefully inspect your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues to assess the extent of periodontal disease.


• Periodontal pocket measurements: Using a special probe, we'll measure the depth of pockets between your teeth and gums. Pockets deeper than 5mm often indicate the need for surgical intervention.


• Dental imaging: X-rays or 3D scans may be taken to evaluate bone loss and the overall structure of your teeth and jaw.


• Medical history review: We'll discuss your overall health, medications, and any factors that might affect your treatment or recovery.


• Treatment planning: Based on our findings, we'll create a personalised treatment plan and explain the pocket reduction surgery process in detail.

This initial assessment is crucial for:

• Determining the severity of your gum disease


• Identifying specific areas requiring treatment


• Assessing your suitability for pocket reduction surgery


• Addressing any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure

At London Dental Specialists, we prioritise patient education and comfort. Our team will take the time to explain every aspect of the pocket reduction surgery, including its benefits, potential risks, and expected outcomes. We encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns during this consultation.

Following your assessment, we'll provide you with:

• A detailed treatment plan


• Information on pre-operative preparation


• An estimate of treatment costs


• Scheduling options for your procedure

By thoroughly evaluating your oral health and discussing your treatment options, we ensure that pocket reduction surgery is the most appropriate solution for managing your periodontal disease and restoring your gum health.

Custom Treatment Plan for Pocket Reduction Surgery

Following your initial consultation, our experienced periodontists at London Dental Specialists will create a personalised treatment plan for your pocket reduction surgery. This tailored approach ensures that we address your specific needs and provide the most effective treatment for your periodontal condition.

Your custom treatment plan will include:

• Detailed surgical approach: We'll outline the specific techniques and procedures to be used during your pocket reduction surgery.


• Treatment areas: A clear identification of which teeth and gum areas require surgical intervention.


• Anaesthesia options: Discussion of local anaesthesia or sedation choices to ensure your comfort during the procedure.


• Estimated timeline: An overview of the expected duration of the surgery and recovery period.


• Post-operative care instructions: Comprehensive guidance on how to care for your gums after the surgery.

Our periodontists will carefully consider several factors when developing your treatment plan:

• The extent and severity of your periodontal disease


• The depth of your periodontal pockets


• The condition of the underlying bone structure


• Your overall oral and general health


• Any medications you're currently taking

We may also recommend additional treatments to complement the pocket reduction surgery, such as:

• Bone grafting to regenerate lost bone tissue


• Gum grafting to address receding gums


• Antimicrobial therapy to control bacterial infection

At London Dental Specialists, we prioritise patient education and involvement in the treatment process. We'll thoroughly explain each aspect of your custom treatment plan, ensuring you understand:

• The goals of the pocket reduction surgery


• The expected outcomes and benefits


• Potential risks and how we'll mitigate them


• Alternative treatment options, if applicable

We encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns about your treatment plan. Our team is committed to providing you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about your oral health.

Your custom treatment plan will also include:

• A detailed cost estimate for the procedure


• Information about any applicable insurance coverage


• Flexible payment options to suit your budget


• Scheduling options for your surgery and follow-up appointments

By creating a tailored treatment plan, we ensure that your pocket reduction surgery at London Dental Specialists is as effective and comfortable as possible, setting you on the path to improved gum health and a healthier smile.

Pocket Reduction Surgery Treatment Procedures

Pocket reduction surgery at London Dental Specialists is a precise, multi-step procedure designed to eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce the depth of periodontal pockets. Our experienced periodontists perform this advanced treatment to halt the progression of gum disease and preserve your natural teeth.

The pocket reduction surgery procedure typically involves:

• Local anaesthesia administration: To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, we carefully numb the treatment area.


• Gum tissue incision: Small, precise cuts are made along the gumline to create access to the tooth roots and surrounding bone.


• Gum tissue retraction: The gum tissue is gently folded back to expose the affected areas.


• Thorough cleaning: We meticulously remove all plaque, tartar, and infected tissue from the exposed tooth roots and surrounding areas.


• Bone reshaping: If necessary, we smooth and reshape irregular bone surfaces to eliminate areas where bacteria can hide.


• Antimicrobial application: We may apply specialised antimicrobial agents to further reduce bacterial presence and promote healing.


• Gum tissue repositioning: The gum tissue is carefully placed back into position, often at a lower level on the tooth to reduce pocket depth.


• Suturing: Fine, dissolvable sutures are used to secure the gum tissue in its new position.

Our skilled periodontists may also incorporate additional techniques to enhance the outcome of your pocket reduction surgery:

• Bone grafting: In cases of significant bone loss, we may add bone graft material to stimulate new bone growth and provide better support for your teeth.


• Guided tissue regeneration: This technique involves placing a special membrane between your bone and gum tissue to encourage proper healing and regeneration.


• Growth factor application: We may use biological agents to stimulate faster healing and tissue regeneration.

The entire pocket reduction surgery procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the number of teeth requiring treatment. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24-48 hours, although complete healing occurs over several weeks.

At London Dental Specialists, we prioritise your comfort and safety throughout the pocket reduction surgery. Our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced techniques ensure that you receive the highest standard of care. We closely monitor your progress during the procedure and provide comprehensive post-operative instructions to support optimal healing.

Following your pocket reduction surgery, you can expect:

• Significant reduction in periodontal pocket depth


• Improved gum attachment to your teeth


• Decreased risk of further bone and tooth loss


• Enhanced ability to maintain good oral hygiene


• Improved overall gum health and appearance

Our team at London Dental Specialists is committed to providing you with exceptional care throughout your pocket reduction surgery experience. We'll schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure the best possible outcome for your periodontal health.

Post Pocket Reduction Surgery Treatment Care

Proper post-operative care is essential for successful healing after pocket reduction surgery at London Dental Specialists. Following your procedure, our team provides comprehensive guidance to ensure optimal recovery and long-term periodontal health.

During the first 24-48 hours after surgery, you should:

• Rest and limit physical activity to minimise bleeding and promote healing


• Apply ice packs to the outside of your face in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling


• Take prescribed medications as directed, including antibiotics and pain relievers


• Avoid rinsing vigorously or touching the surgical area


• Eat soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes

For the first two weeks following your pocket reduction surgery:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene while being gentle around the surgical site


• Use prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse to control bacteria and support healing


• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as these can significantly impair healing


• Follow a soft food diet and gradually reintroduce normal foods as comfort allows


• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments for suture removal and healing assessment

Most patients experience minimal discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Some swelling, minor bleeding, and tooth sensitivity are normal during the initial healing phase. These symptoms typically subside within a few days to a week.

Long-term care after pocket reduction surgery includes:

• Maintaining a thorough daily oral hygiene routine with proper brushing and flossing techniques


• Using interdental brushes or water flossers to clean between teeth effectively


• Attending regular periodontal maintenance appointments every 3-4 months


• Following a healthy diet that supports gum health and overall wellbeing


• Avoiding tobacco products which can compromise surgical results

At London Dental Specialists, we provide ongoing support throughout your recovery process. Our team is always available to address any concerns and answer questions about your healing progress. We'll schedule periodic check-ups to monitor your gum health and ensure the long-term success of your pocket reduction surgery.

Successful recovery leads to significant improvements in your periodontal health, including reduced pocket depths, decreased inflammation, and better attachment between your gums and teeth. With proper post-operative care and maintenance, the results of your pocket reduction surgery can last for many years, protecting your natural teeth and supporting your overall oral health.