Periodontal pocket is the single most important criteria for periodontal disease. It appears as a consequence of the destruction of the teeth supporting structures and is located between the tooth root and the bone.
How does a periodontal pocket look like?
Gums around a tooth carrying a periodontal pocket are swollen, red and bleed when touched. It can be said that at this stage gum disease is present. Patients often report the sensation of having one tooth higher than the other or having something stuck between their teeth (foreign object sensation). Often, there is a gum pain spreading in all directions.
After a periodontal pocket has been present for some time, besides the calculus which is located on the enamel, the sub-gingival calculus appears on the tooth root. It’s black and it is very hard to remove from the tooth surface.
How to discover the presence of the periodontal pocket?
1. Probing – There is a special instrument – periodontal probe – which is calibrated (it contains measures in millimetres and a ball on top to prevent tissue damage). It is placed in the pocket and serves to measure its depth.
2. Radiography – X-rays serve to determine the extent of periodontal disease. It allows to monitor the condition of the bone surrounding the affected tooth. This is critical, as the density and bone level determine when the tooth will finally loose up and fall out.
Periodontal pocket – treatment
There are several phases in the treatment of periodontal pockets. We should know that treating the pockets actually means treating the periodontal disease.
1. Gum inflammation – First, dental plaque and calculus (tartar) need to be removed, and patients educated about proper oral hygiene. If necessary, certain medications or preparations may be prescribed, which at this stage may be able to reduce or stop the gum inflammation and advancing of periodontal disease.
2. Curettage of periodontal pockets – Deep cleaning of the pockets, that is, debridement of all pathological and damaged periodontal tissue. It is performed using different instruments (curettes). If necessary, certain anomalies are removed as well (such as oral mucosa folds – plica and frenulum), which incite the occurrence of the pockets.
3. The third stage serves to establish normal occlusion – the relationship between maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth. Most often, it is achieved using prosthetic, orthodontic, as well as conservative rehabilitation treatment (fabrication of new prosthetic work, new fillings or beginning of orthodontic treatment).
Curettage (deep cleaning) of periodontal pockets
The intervention is mostly done under local anaesthesia, because it can be painful. The aim is to remove all pathological tissue (inflamed tissue) through the cavity of the periodontal pocket (if possible). If the area is unreachable, the surgical procedure is necessary to enable the access (modified Widman operation).
It is crucial that patients maintain good oral hygiene after the intervention and regularly take the therapy, in case it was prescribed.
After several weeks, many changes are visible. Gum swelling is reduced, their colour resembles more that of healthy gums – pink, while the dental tissue becomes firmer.
Curettage of periodontal pocket – price
At the Pavlovic Clinic you can get the complete periodontal disease treatment, including the curettage of periodontal pockets, as one of the stages in the treatment.
Periodontal pocket curettage per tooth costs RSD 1,500.
Don’t wait until you’ve lost your teeth. If you are troubled by the periodontal pockets, the Pavlovic Clinic is the right place for you!
Call us and schedule your appointment!
