Pocket reduction therapy may be required if:

• You have periodontal pockets greater than 4 mm in depth. These pockets contain bacterial plaque which places your gum tissue at risk for chronic infection.
• You have uncontrolled accumulation of plaque below the surface of the gum which has resulted in bone destruction and deepening of pockets.

Pocket reduction therapy, which includes scaling and root planing for mild periodontitis and laser periodontal therapy or osseous surgery for more severe disease, will reduce the risk of your periodontal disease progressing by:

• Allowing Dr. Richards to fold back the gum tissue and remove the disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases he may smooth irregular surfaces of the damaged bone to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide and allow the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.
• Reducing the depth of your periodontal pockets.

Your oral health will benefit from pocket reduction therapy for the following reasons:

• When pocket depths are reduced, you and your hygienist will have better access to the tooth and root surfaces and they can be cleaned more easily.
• As your periodontal health improves, any loose teeth will become more firmly anchored in your gums.

If you decide not to have treatment you risk the following:

• Inability to keep your tooth and root surfaces clean.
• Increased risk for additional bone loss (a 'vicious' circle - deepening of the pockets produces more space for bacterial plaque accumulation).
• Your teeth will become looser.
• You face an increased risk of developing a gum abcess.
• Increased risk of tooth loss.