Reversing the Damage of Gum Disease with Pocket Reduction Surgery in San Diego
Gum disease doesn’t just cause bleeding gums and bad breath—it can also lead to deep pockets around your teeth that trap bacteria and damage your bone structure. When these pockets become too deep to clean with brushing, flossing, or even deep cleanings, your dentist may recommend pocket reduction surgery.
If you’re dealing with advanced gum disease, Dr. Vaheed Bayette, a respected San Diego, CA dentist, offers gentle and effective periodontal surgery options to help restore your gum health. He serves patients from Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, and National City, helping them regain control of their oral health and prevent tooth loss.
Why Dr. Bayette is a Top Choice in San Diego
Many patients have experienced life-changing results at our practice. One of our patients, Madhavi R., shared:
- “Dr. Bayette is an exceptional dentist. His caring and compassionate approach is truly remarkable. I particularly appreciate his focus on preventative care and thorough explanation of treatment plans. He takes time to answer all my questions and lay out different options, helping me to make informed decisions about my oral health. It’s clear that they genuinely care about their patients’ well-being.”
When you choose Dr. Bayette, you’re choosing not only a highly skilled periodontist but someone who listens, informs, and treats you with respect.
What Is Pocket Reduction Surgery?
Pocket reduction surgery, also known as flap surgery or osseous surgery, is a periodontal procedure that reduces the depth of gum pockets around the teeth. These pockets form when plaque and bacteria cause the gums to detach from the teeth. The deeper the pocket, the harder it becomes to clean, allowing bacteria to continue damaging the gum and bone tissue.
The goal of pocket reduction surgery is to:
- Remove bacteria and infected tissue
- Reshape the bone around the teeth if necessary
- Reattach the gum tissue to a healthier position
- Reduce pocket depth to a manageable size for daily cleaning
Benefits of Pocket Reduction Surgery
- Stops progression of gum disease
- Reduces pocket depth, making it easier to clean at home
- Protects bone and tooth structure
- Prevents tooth loss
- Improves gum appearance and overall oral health
By removing harmful bacteria and giving your gums a chance to reattach, pocket reduction surgery can help you avoid more invasive procedures in the future—like bone grafting or tooth extractions.
Who Needs Pocket Reduction Surgery?
This procedure is typically recommended for patients with moderate periodontitis to advanced periodontitis who haven’t responded fully to nonsurgical treatments like scaling and root planing or antibiotics. You may be a candidate if:
- Your gum pockets are deeper than 5 mm
- You experience chronic inflammation or infection
- Your bone is starting to deteriorate due to gum disease
- You’re at risk of losing one or more teeth
Dr. Bayette will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and recommend surgery only when it’s the best next step for your oral health.
What to Expect During the Pocket Reduction Procedure
Pocket reduction surgery is performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Gum tissue is gently lifted to access the root surfaces and bone.
- Bacteria, plaque, and tartar are removed from the tooth roots and infected areas.
- Irregular bone surfaces may be smoothed to eliminate hiding places for bacteria.
- Gum tissue is repositioned and sutured snugly around the teeth to reduce pocket depth.
- A protective dressing or bandage may be placed, and healing begins.
The entire procedure typically takes about 1–2 hours, depending on how many teeth are involved.
Recovery and Aftercare Tips from Your San Diego Dentist
Healing usually takes about 1–2 weeks. Dr. Bayette will provide specific instructions to support your recovery, which may include:
- Gentle brushing around the surgical area
- Antimicrobial rinses to prevent infection
- A soft diet for several days
- Pain management with over-the-counter or prescribed medications
- A follow-up visit to check healing and remove stitches if necessary
Maintaining good oral hygiene and returning for regular dental visits is essential to ensure long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients report minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used, and any post-surgery soreness can typically be managed with OTC pain relievers.
Costs can range from $500 to $1,200 per quadrant, depending on the severity and complexity. Insurance may cover part of the cost. Dr. Bayette offers affordable care options and payment plans to help make treatment accessible.
Yes! By removing bacteria and securing the gums around your teeth, this procedure helps protect the underlying bone and keep your teeth stable.
Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings every 3–4 months. Follow all post-op instructions from your dental care team.
Restore Your Smile with Trusted Periodontal Care in San Diego
Gum disease doesn’t have to define your oral health journey. With quality surgical treatment and ongoing support from Dr. Vaheed Bayette, you can regain your confidence and protect your smile for the long haul. Whether you’re in San Diego, Chula Vista, La Mesa, or El Cajon, our team is here to provide affordable, compassionate care every step of the way. Schedule a consultation for pocket reduction surgery with our San Diego dentist by calling (619) 901-0708.