Gum Health: The Danger of Deep Pockets

Dentist Blog

It's good to have deep pockets, isn't it? This generally means that you have considerable financial resources, allowing you to dig into those pockets whenever you feel the need. There's another type of deep pockets that you certainly don't want to have. Deep gingival pockets can signpost future problems for your teeth and are something that needs to be corrected.

The Formation of Gum Tissue

The irregular formation of gum tissue that can indicate an excessively deep gingival pocket is usually discovered during a regular dental checkup. This is one of the many reasons why it's essential that you visit your dentist on a regular basis so that dental problems can be identified while still in their developmental stages. The ultimate problems associated with your gingival pockets might not become evident to you until the condition has progressed, by which time more intensive intervention will be needed.

Probing the Pockets

Periodontal probing is commonly used in dental checkups, especially when localised inflammation can indicate a problematic gingival pocket. The depths of these pockets will be measured, which is a sign of how advanced the problem might be. The existence of these pockets can suggest periodontal disease. This must be treated, otherwise, any intervention will have little effect, and this effect will only be temporary.

An Increase in Depth

If untreated, a gingival pocket can increase in depth, and a significant number of your gingival tissue will be lost. These tissues help to anchor your teeth, and this means that tooth mobility (a loosening of the tooth) can be observed. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent further escalation of the problem. The pocket has created a hollow that permits the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria, increasing your chances of developing a dental abscess.

Treatment

Treatment involves a variety of methods, with any infection needing to be controlled. This can involve antibiotics, along with topical treatment at the site. In some cases, your dentist will recommend a minor surgical procedure to adjust the pocket that has appeared. The pocket will be folded outwards, with the excess tissue then removed. The site will be thoroughly irrigated to remove bacteria. Stitches are often needed. 

The potential harm of gingival pockets can largely be avoided by maintaining the highest possible level of oral hygiene, but if these pockets were to pose a danger to your teeth, quick treatment is required to stop those pockets in their tracks.

For more information, contact a dentist today.

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9 December 2020