Pocket Reduction Surgery

Pocket reduction surgery, also known as osseous surgery or flap surgery, is a periodontal procedure designed to reduce the depth of the pockets that form between the teeth and gums as a result of periodontal disease. As gum disease progresses, the pockets deepen, creating spaces where bacteria thrive beyond the reach of brushing, flossing, or even professional non-surgical cleaning. Pocket reduction surgery accesses these areas directly, removes the disease-causing bacteria and damaged tissue, and reshapes the bone to eliminate the irregular contours that harbor infection.

At Bensonhurst Dental Care, pocket reduction surgery is performed by Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein, who brings the skill and judgment of a board-certified periodontist to every surgical case. The procedure involves gently reflecting the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone and root surfaces. The infected tissue is removed, the roots are thoroughly cleaned, and the bone is reshaped to eliminate the deep pockets. The gum tissue is then repositioned and sutured into place, resulting in shallower pockets that are easier to clean and maintain.

This procedure is typically recommended when scaling and root planing alone has not been sufficient to arrest the progression of gum disease, or when pockets remain too deep for non-surgical methods to effectively maintain. By reducing pocket depth, the surgery creates an environment in which both professional periodontal maintenance and at-home hygiene can be more effective. In cases where bone loss has created defects that can be regenerated, bone grafting may be performed at the same time as the pocket reduction surgery.