A pocket is the detachment of the gum from the root surface.

Pockets over 5mm deep are difficult to clean with a normal toothbrush.

These pockets will lead to bone loss, tooth mobility and eventually the loss of the tooth. The surgery involves eliminating the pockets by moving the gum down the tooth to fit tighter over the bone.

Generally the tooth will look longer, so this procedure is mainly used in the back areas of the mouth.

The end result is a tighter attachment of the gum to the tooth, no pocketing, and easier access to clean with a normal toothbrush and an increased life of the tooth.

For pockets in the front of the mouth see “soft tissue regeneration”