Unhealthy oral habits lead to gum disease, which left untreated progresses to a severe form known as periodontitis. It is a degenerative disorder that causes gum inflammation, bone involvement, and gradual tooth loss. Gum disease leads to the development of deep gingival pockets which harbor more bacteria for increased plaque formation. This deteriorates the condition further. 

Fortunately, the dentist in northwest Newton, MA, and their team are highly skilled and experienced in treating gingival pockets through periodontal treatments like pocket irrigation. Scroll down to learn everything about this procedure.

What is pocket irrigation?

Pocket irrigation is a dental procedure that involves the elimination of dirt, debris, and plaque accumulated interdentally (spaces between the teeth), and subgingivally (between your teeth and the gum line).  

What are the benefits of pocket irrigation? 

The following benefits make this procedure popular:

Subgingival cleaning

Pocket irrigators have rounded end tips, preventing damage to the soft tissue below the gum line. The bacteria, plaque, and toxins can be easily flushed out subgingivally. 

Interdental cleaning

The interdental gum tissues remain healthy since the pocket irrigators can eliminate the plaque and debris from between the teeth. 

Preventing halitosis (bad breath)

Bad breath or halitosis could result due to the food particles combining with bacteria to produce foul-smelling by-products. Regular brushes or dental scrapers alone cannot reach the depths of the gum pockets. This is possible through powerful yet gentle water jets that flush out foreign particles. 

Antimicrobial application 

Antimicrobial agents can be used in combination with water jets or used alone, which can prevent or kill some strains of harmful oral bacteria. 

How is pocket irrigation performed?

Pocket irrigation is usually performed as a part of professional dental cleaning or along with surgical procedures like pocket reduction surgery. 

Used with the deep cleaning procedure

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

An antimicrobial agent may be applied to reduce subgingival oral bacteria. 

Used in combination with pocket reduction surgery 

Your dentist will eliminate calculus (hardened plaque) and subgingival plaque with special scaling and root planing instruments. An antimicrobial agent will be applied through an oral irrigator to eliminate any remaining subgingival bacteria. 

Used at home

Your dentist can recommend pocket irrigation at home as a part of your daily routine using a water jet or water pick. This is considered less harmful than dental flossing. 

Final note 

If gum disease spreads, it always leads to tooth loss. It is important to curb the infection. Regular dental visits can help prevent this through procedures such as pocket irrigation that prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.