Vista Dentist

Return to Health with Osseous (Pocket Reduction) Surgery The gold standard for treating moderate to severe gum disease.



If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate to severe peridontitis (gum disease), it’s likely that you have hard deposits of bacteria underneath your gums, where brushing and flossing can’t reach. Osseous surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, can help remove those deposits so your mouth can start to heal.

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    What are dental pockets and why do they need to be reduced?

    When bacteria sits on your teeth and doesn’t get removed by brushing, flossing, or regular dental cleanings, it can harden into plaque and tartar not just on the surface of your teeth, but underneath your gums where you can’t see. Tartar attracts more bacteria that builds layers over time, irritating your gums and causing them to pull away from your teeth. These are called dental pockets. (Also called periodontal pockets or gingival pockets.) These dental pockets of space make it easier for bacteria and other things to collect around your teeth, causing damage, decay, and even bone loss. If you have dental pockets, it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

    What is osseous surgery?

    Also called pocket reduction surgery, osseous surgery helps your dentist to remove hardened bacteria from below your gums. Your gums are folded back to expose the roots, and your dentist will use special tools to remove plaque and bacteria, smooth and reshape your teeth and bone to remove dental pockets, then reposition your gums back into place. After the surgery, your dentist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth and promote healing. It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene at home and to come back to the dentist office for periodontal cleanings every 3-4 months.

    Check out what others are saying about about our osseous surgery on Yelp: Debridement Vista

    How effective is osseous surgery?

    Osseous surgery is very effective at removing bacteria and plaque and reducing dental pockets. With the right oral hygiene after the surgery, you can get back on track with your oral health. While periodontitis (gum disease) cannot be cured, it can be effectively maintained. That’s why it’s so important to continue to work with our office and keep your gum disease at bay.

    Gum disease maintenance includes:

    • Brushing and flossing every day
    • Using treatments like PerioProtect
    • Regular in-office cleaning
    • Annual deep cleanings

    Contact Us to Get Started

    North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is located at 1934 Via Centre Ste A Vista, CA 92081.

    (760) 940-2273