Can You Still Get Dental Implants If You Have Receding Gums? - Henderson Oral Surgery

What are Gum Pockets and How Do They Relate to Periodontal Treatments?

The bacteria that collects in the mouth continually forms plaque on the teeth and surrounding gums. If the plaque is not removed or cleaned off the teeth and gums, it turns into a hard deposit known as tartar. Tartar cannot be brushed off but must be removed by our hygienist. When the bacteria from the tartar inflame the gums, it triggers gingivitis, or the first stages of periodontal disease. When this happens, pockets may form between the teeth and gums. When the pockets forms, or the gum tissue pulls away, more plaque and tartar can form. This deepens the pockets, thereby threatening the bones surrounding the teeth.

What Symptoms are Related to Deep Dental Pockets?

If you have bad breath or your gums are red and swollen, you will have dental pockets. We can perform a visual examination of the gums and teeth and also check the pocket depth. This is done with an instrument known as a probe. The probe makes it easy for us to check for the presence of gum disease and to see just how far it has advanced. We normally take six readings when checking periodontal pockets and the gum tissue. Both a professional cleaning or scaling and root planning will be necessary as well as the start of a routine home health care program at home.

Do you believe you may have periodontal disease? If so, come into our office to have your gums and teeth checked. Don’t delay this type of treatment, as gum disease can progress and lead to tooth loss. Call our Green Valley or St Rose offices at (702) 270-2999 to arrange an appointment for a professional cleaning, exam and evaluation.