What does pocketing mean in dentistry?
What does pocketing mean in dentistry?
When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming “pockets” around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue.
What is false pocketing?
The bacteria within plaque initiates the bodies’ inflammatory response, causing the gums to become inflamed and swollen and lose their healthy contour. This is known as false pocketing as the gum is still attached to the tooth at the cervical portion.
How do you classify periodontal disease?
In 1989, a classification system was proposed that included five types of periodontitis: adult periodontitis, early onset periodontitis, periodontitis associated with systemic disease, necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis, and refractory periodontitis.
What does it mean when you have pockets around your teeth?
One of the chief signs of gum disease is the presence of periodontal (“peri” – around; “odont” – tooth) pockets — that is, spaces around the teeth, below the gum line, that have become infected.
How are gum pocket measurements taken by a dentist?
How are gum pocket measurements taken? A ‘periodontal probe’ is the instrument that is used by your dentist or dental hygienist to examine the health of the gums and bone around each tooth. As shown here, it is like a skinny ruler, with a rounded end and dark markings to indicate measurements in millimeters.
What kind of dentist do you see for periodontal pockets?
Treating Periodontal Pockets. This procedure is often done by a periodontist — a dentist who specializes in the treatment of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth — and may be performed with standard surgical tools or with laser instruments.
How can I Keep my periodontal pocket shallow?
Healthy gums have a shallow pocket that is easy to keep clean, measuring only one to three millimeters in depth. Here’s how you can keep your gum pockets shallow and easy to clean: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day, brushing carefully around your gumline where plaque tends to accumulate.