Gum disease is one of the most prevalent dental problems after tooth cavity that can greatly compromise your oral form, function, and aesthetics. However, early detection of the prominent warning signs can help reverse the disease and prevent its progression to periodontitis and tooth loss. 

The Upland dentist and their team are skilled and well-equipped to manage gum disease through non-invasive procedures like pocket irrigation, greatly restoring your gum health.

What is pocket irrigation?

Periodontal or gum disease can spread up to the teeth and create tiny pockets. These pockets get filled with bacteria and plaque that can worsen the infection. Pocket irrigation is a dental procedure that focuses on the elimination of plaque, food debris, and bacteria interdentally (between the teeth) and subgingivally (between your teeth and the gum line). This non-invasive procedure prevents the bacteria from replicating and can save your teeth. 

Why do you need pocket irrigation?

Pocket irrigation is also called oral irrigation and is required to clean your teeth with deep pockets. This procedure cleans the dirt and debris from the teeth and gums, which is not possible through regular brushing and flossing. The tool used for the treatment is called a pocket irrigator. The irrigator also helps eliminate halitosis (bad breath).

What are the benefits of pocket irrigation?

Pocket irrigation offers several benefits: 

• Aids in subgingival and interdental cleaning

• Pocket irrigators have rounded end tips that do not damage the soft tissues

• The powerful yet gentle water jets can effectively flush out foreign particles
• The water jets can be used to spray antimicrobial agents that can kill strains of harmful oral bacteria. 

How is pocket irrigation performed? 

Pocket irrigation is used with other dental procedures like: 

• Professional dental cleaning

Your dentist will use a pocket irrigator after routine scaling and root planing to cleanse the pockets.

• Pocket reduction surgery 

• • Pocket reduction surgery aims at gaining access to the roots of the teeth to remove calculus and bacteria.
  • Incisions are made to lift gum flaps, followed by deep scaling and root planing. 
  • An antimicrobial agent will be sprayed through an oral irrigator to eliminate any remaining subgingival bacteria.
  • The flaps are raised and reattached to a new position. 
  • The incisions are closed through sutures. 
• Takeaway 

Gum disease is reversible if detected and treated early. Ensure to visit your dentist your dentist when you notice any warning signs that indicate gum or periodontal disease. Early detection paves the way for early treatment, and pocket irrigation is one such effective procedure to prevent further damage to the oral cavity.