Restore Your Gum Health with Advanced Periodontal Treatment at Maring Surgical and Dental Implant Center
Advanced gum disease requires advanced periodontal treatment solutions. At Maring Surgical and Dental Implant Center in downtown Seattle, we offer comprehensive pocket reduction surgery to help patients overcome severe periodontal disease and restore their oral health. Our experienced Seattle, WA, periodontist, Dr. Susan Maring, combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge surgical techniques to deliver exceptional results for Seattle patients and those from surrounding areas, including Bellevue, Kirkland, and Mercer Island.
Call our Seattle, WA, dental office at 206-343-7500 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Maring and learn how pocket reduction surgery can restore your smile and oral health.
What Makes Maring Surgical Different
Specialized Periodontal Expertise
Dr. Susan Maring brings over two decades of specialized periodontal experience to every pocket reduction surgery. Her extensive training includes post-doctoral residencies in both General Practice and Hospital Dentistry, and Periodontics, providing her with the advanced surgical skills needed for complex periodontal cases.
As a periodontist who has been consistently selected as “Seattle’s Top Dentist in Periodontics” by Seattle Met Magazine, Dr. Maring combines technical excellence with compassionate patient care. Her experience teaching at the UCLA School of Dentistry further demonstrates her commitment to advancing periodontal treatment standards.
Advanced Technology and Techniques
Our downtown Seattle practice utilizes the latest dental technology and surgical techniques to optimize pocket reduction surgery outcomes. We employ advanced diagnostic tools for precise treatment planning and use minimally invasive surgical approaches whenever possible to reduce discomfort and promote faster healing.
Dr. Maring stays current with the latest developments in periodontal surgery through continuing education and professional development. This commitment to advancing her skills benefits every patient who receives treatment at our practice.
What is Pocket Reduction Surgery?
Pocket reduction surgery, also known as flap surgery, osseous surgery, or muco-osseous surgery, represents one of the most effective treatments for advanced periodontal disease. This specialized procedure significantly reduces harmful bacteria from deep periodontal pockets while reducing pocket depth to prevent future bacterial accumulation. Our Seattle oral surgery and periodontal practice has helped countless patients regain healthy gums and preserve their natural teeth through this proven surgical approach.
Pocket reduction surgery addresses the root cause of advanced periodontal disease by physically removing bacteria and infected tissue from deep pockets around your teeth. These pockets form when plaque and tartar accumulate below the gum line, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and creating spaces where bacteria thrive.
This surgical intervention helps to control the progression of periodontal disease and creates an environment where your gums can heal properly. Without treatment, deep periodontal pockets continue to harbor bacteria that destroy the supporting structures of your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss and other serious health complications.
The Pocket Reduction Surgery Process at Maring Surgical and Dental Implant Center
Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive periodontal examination at our Seattle practice. Dr. Maring uses advanced diagnostic tools, including digital X-rays and periodontal probing, to assess the extent of diseased gum tissue. She measures pocket depths around each tooth and evaluates the health of your gum tissue and supporting bone structure.
This thorough assessment helps determine whether pocket reduction surgery is the appropriate treatment for your specific condition. Dr. Maring will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and explain how the procedure can benefit your oral health.
Pre-Surgical Preparation
Before your pocket reduction surgery, our team provides detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare. We may recommend a professional dental cleaning to remove surface plaque and tartar. You’ll also receive guidelines for eating and drinking before your procedure.
The Surgical Procedure
On the day of your surgery, Dr. Maring administers local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. She makes precise incisions in the gum tissue to expose the tooth roots and infected areas. Using specialized instruments, she carefully removes bacteria, tartar, and diseased tissue from the periodontal pockets.
The tooth roots are then smoothed through a process called root planing. In some cases, Dr. Maring may apply antimicrobial agents and regenerative materials in the treated areas. Finally, the gum tissue is repositioned and sutured back into place.
Post-Surgical Care and Recovery
Recovery from pocket reduction surgery typically takes several days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of treatment. Dr. Maring provides comprehensive post-operative instructions to promote healing and prevent complications. You’ll receive prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics if needed.
Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Maring to monitor your healing progress and remove any non-dissolvable sutures. She’ll also provide guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain your results and prevent future gum disease.
Benefits of Pocket Reduction Surgery
Helps Control Bacterial Infection
The primary benefit of pocket reduction surgery is to improve your ability to clean your teeth and thereby control the buildup of bacteria beneath the gumline. This targets the source of infection and slows the progression of gum disease. By removing these harmful bacteria, the procedure helps prevent further damage to your gums, teeth, and supporting bone structure.
Reduces Pocket Depth
Pocket reduction surgery significantly decreases the depth of periodontal pockets, making them easier to clean and maintain. Shallower pockets are more accessible for daily oral hygiene practices. This reduction in pocket depth is key to preventing future episodes of gum disease.
Preserves Natural Teeth
By addressing advanced periodontal disease, pocket reduction surgery helps preserve your natural teeth. The procedure stops the destruction of tooth-supporting structures and creates conditions that allow your gums and bone to heal. Many patients who undergo this surgery are able to keep their natural teeth for many years.
Improves Overall Oral Health
Successful pocket reduction surgery leads to improved gum health and better overall oral health. Patients often experience reduced bleeding, swelling, and discomfort in their gums. The procedure also improves the chronic bad breath associated with severe gum disease.
Enhances Aesthetic Appearance
Healthy gums contribute to an attractive smile. Pocket reduction surgery can improve the appearance of your gums by reducing inflammation and creating a more uniform gum line. Many patients notice their gums look healthier after the procedure.
Ideal Candidates for Pocket Reduction Surgery
Patients with Moderate to Severe Periodontal Disease
Pocket reduction surgery is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease who have not responded adequately to non-surgical treatments. Candidates usually have periodontal pockets measuring five millimeters or deeper, along with evidence of bone loss around the affected teeth.
Good Overall Health
Ideal candidates are in good general health and can undergo minor surgical procedures safely. Dr. Maring evaluates each patient’s medical history and current health status to determine if they are suitable candidates for pocket reduction surgery.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Successful outcomes depend on patients’ commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene after surgery. Candidates should be committed to following post-operative care instructions and maintaining regular dental visits for ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Realistic Expectations
The best candidates understand the goals and limitations of pocket reduction surgery. While the procedure is highly effective at treating moderate gum disease, patients with advanced disease will show improvement, but residual pocket depth may still be present. All patients require optimal home care and ongoing professional hygiene maintenance visits for optimal results.
Recovery and Aftercare for Our Seattle Area Patients
Immediate Post-Operative Period
Patients should expect some discomfort and swelling after surgery. The maximal amount of swelling usually occurs on the third or fourth day, as this is the natural course of healing. This can be managed by following the detailed post-operative instructions provided at your pre-operative (or pre-surgical visit). Dr. Maring provides detailed instructions for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene during this initial recovery period.
Diet and Activity Restrictions
Following surgery, patients should stick to soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy items that could irritate the surgical sites. Gentle activities are encouraged, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for the first few days to prevent bleeding and discomfort and promote healing.
Oral Hygiene Modifications
Proper oral hygiene is essential for successful healing. Dr. Maring will provide specific instructions on home care following your procedure.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up appointments at Maring Surgical allow Dr. Maring to monitor healing progress and address any concerns. These visits typically occur within the first week after surgery, then at regular intervals as healing progresses. Long-term maintenance includes regular periodontal cleanings at your general dental office and evaluations in both offices.
Long-Term Success and Maintenance
Ongoing Periodontal Care
Pocket reduction surgery provides an excellent foundation for long-term gum health, but success depends on continued periodontal maintenance. Patients typically need professional cleanings every three to four months to prevent bacterial reaccumulation and maintain their results.
Home Care Recommendations
Dr. Maring provides personalized home care instructions to help patients maintain their surgical results. This may include specific brushing and flossing techniques and other oral hygiene tools designed for periodontal patients.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors can impact the long-term success of pocket reduction surgery. Smoking cessation is essential, as tobacco use significantly increases the risk of periodontal disease recurrence. Maintaining good overall health through proper nutrition and stress management also supports periodontal health.
Ready to reclaim your gum health? Contact our Seattle periodontal practice at 206-343-7500 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Maring. We proudly serve patients throughout Seattle and welcome those from Bellevue, Kirkland, and Mercer Island who are seeking advanced periodontal care.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Factors Affecting Treatment Cost
The cost of pocket reduction surgery varies based on several factors, including the number of teeth requiring treatment, the complexity of the case, and the extent of periodontal damage. Dr. Maring provides detailed cost estimates during your consultation, ensuring you understand all aspects of your treatment investment.
Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for pocket reduction surgery. Our knowledgeable staff works with insurance providers to maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Payment Options
We understand that periodontal treatment represents a significant investment in your health. Our practice offers various payment options and dental financing plans through CareCredit to make pocket reduction surgery accessible to patients who need this important treatment.
