Periodontal Pocket Reduction in Portland ME

Gums that pull away from your teeth? That’s not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a serious warning sign. When your gums start to separate from the tooth surface, it creates tiny openings called periodontal pockets in Portland ME. And those small pockets? They’re the perfect hiding spots for harmful bacteria to settle in and do damage that’s hard to reverse.

That’s where periodontal pocket reduction surgery at Portland Center for Dentistry comes in. As a top-rated periodontist, I like to think of this treatment as closing the back door before intruders get comfortable. It’s a strategic way to clean out the infection, reshape the area, and help your gums reattach where they belong—tight, secure, and strong.

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What Are Periodontal Pockets—and Why Do They Matter in Portland ME?

Let’s break it down: Healthy gums fit snugly around your teeth, forming a protective seal that keeps bacteria out. But when plaque and tartar build-up below the gumline, inflammation causes the tissue to loosen and pull away. This creates a pocket, which quickly becomes a safe harbor for more bacteria.

As the pocket deepens, the problem grows. You can’t clean that space with a toothbrush or floss, and even professional cleanings may struggle to reach it. Over time, the infection spreads, destroying the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place.

Deep pockets = higher risk for tooth loss.

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What Is Pocket Reduction Surgery?

Pocket reduction surgery, also called flap surgery, is a targeted procedure to eliminate or reduce the depth of gum pockets caused by periodontal disease. Here’s how it works:

• We carefully lift the gum tissue to access the roots and underlying bone.
• Built-up tartar and bacteria are removed from below the surface.
• The bone may be smoothed or reshaped to eliminate hidden spaces where bacteria collect.
• Finally, the gums are placed back and sutured in a way that promotes better attachment to the tooth surface.

The result? Shallower pockets, easier cleaning, and healthier gums.

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Who in Portland ME Benefits From This Procedure?

Not everyone with gum disease needs pocket reduction surgery—but if you’ve already had treatments like scaling and root planing and still have deep pockets, this may be the next step.

You might be a good candidate if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis
• Your gum pockets measure 5mm or deeper
• You have difficulty keeping certain areas clean
• You're noticing bone loss on X-rays
• Your gums bleed or swell frequently

This procedure can help stop progression and preserve natural teeth that might otherwise be at risk.

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What Should You Expect From Recovery?

The good news? Recovery from pocket reduction surgery is relatively smooth. We perform the procedure under local anesthesia, and for anxious patients, sedation options are available.

Post-op soreness is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. You’ll want to stick to soft foods for a couple of days and avoid brushing the surgical site too aggressively until it heals.

We’ll schedule follow-ups to ensure everything’s healing properly—and to keep those pockets from coming back.

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Why Pocket Reduction Works (And Why It Lasts)

Periodontal pocket reduction isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about creating a stable, maintainable environment for your gums and teeth. By reducing the space between your gums and your tooth roots, we:

• Make it easier for you to brush and floss effectively
• Reduce the risk of recurring infections
• Help gums reattach and strengthen the natural seal
• Minimize bone loss around the affected teeth
• Increase the long-term success of other treatments like crowns or implants

This isn’t a temporary fix. It’s a preventive investment in the long-term health of your mouth.

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Let’s Tighten the Gap Between You and Better Gum Health

If your gums feel loose, your teeth seem longer, or you’ve been battling stubborn gum disease, don’t wait. The earlier we reduce pocket depth, the better your chances of keeping your natural teeth healthy and strong for years to come.

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Think it’s time to reduce the gap?

Let’s schedule your periodontal evaluation and talk about how pocket reduction can restore health and confidence in your smile. Sometimes, closing the space makes all the difference.