Periodontal Pockets: What are They and What Can You Do About Them?

Untreated gum disease can lead to all sorts of consequences. In particular, it can cause gaps to appear between the gum tissue and your teeth. These gaps are known as periodontal pockets, and if you ignore them for too long, they could lead to even more serious oral health problems. Luckily, your dentist is here to explain everything you need to know about periodontal pockets – including what can be done to treat them.

What Exactly are Periodontal Pockets and Why Do They Form?

When your gums are in good health, they should fit snugly around the roots of your teeth. A periodontal pocket appears when the gum tissue is separated from the tooth roots, leaving empty space between them.

The formation of periodontal pockets can be attributed to the bacteria responsible for gum disease. As the bacteria build up, they can irritate and inflame the gums, thus causing them to pull away from the teeth.

Why are Periodontal Pockets Such a Serious Oral Health Issue?

The gums are meant to help protect your tooth roots. If a periodontal pocket has formed, it gives plaque and tartar a chance to start spreading beneath the gum line. Bacteria will then begin attacking the tissues responsible for holding the tooth in place. Eventually, the tissues will weaken to the point where the tooth starts to come loose. In the worst-case scenario, the tooth may even fall out altogether.

How Will You Know If You Have Periodontal Pockets?

You likely won’t be able to identify periodontal pockets on your own; the most reliable way to find them is to visit your dentist for a routine checkup. That said, there are other signs of gum disease you can keep an eye out for, such as bleeding or swollen gums, teeth that look longer due to gum recession, constant bad breath, and loose teeth. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, you should see your dentist as soon as you can so that they can diagnose the problem.

How Can Periodontal Pockets Be Treated?

 If your dentist finds periodontal pockets in your smile, they are likely to recommend scaling and root planing. The scaling portion of the treatment involves removing the plaque and tartar that has built up around and beneath your gums; your dentist will clean as far down into the pockets as they can. Once that’s done, root planing can be performed. This is when the roots of the teeth are smoothed out, which encourages the reattachment of the gum tissue.

Remember, waiting too long to address periodontal pockets will only increase your risk for tooth loss. Get in touch with your dentist immediately if you suspect that you have gum disease; they can help you figure out the best steps to take to protect your oral health!

About the Author

Dr. Corey Martinez went to the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He holds membership with the Indiana Dental Association and other dental organizations. He’s proud to be providing exceptional dental services at Martinez Dentistry in Alexandria, such as scaling and root planing for gum disease. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Martinez, visit his website or call (765) 724-7729.