Pocket Reduction (Osseous) Surgery in North York

If you have been diagnosed with moderate to advanced gum disease, your periodontist may recommend pocket reduction surgery, also known as osseous surgery. This advanced periodontal procedure removes harmful bacteria from beneath the gums while reshaping damaged bone to reduce deep periodontal pockets. The result is healthier gums, improved support for your teeth, and a lower risk of future tooth loss.

At our periodontal office in North York, we provide advanced gum disease treatment to help patients preserve their natural teeth whenever possible. We proudly serve patients throughout North York and the greater Toronto area.

What Is Pocket Reduction (Osseous) Surgery?

Simply put, osseous surgery is a procedure that treats the damage caused by advanced gum disease. As bacteria build up below the gumline, they create deep spaces called periodontal pockets. These pockets become too deep to clean effectively with brushing, flossing, or even routine professional cleanings.

During pocket reduction surgery, your periodontist gently lifts the gums to gain access to the infected areas beneath the surface. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria are thoroughly removed, and any irregular areas of damaged bone are carefully reshaped. The gums are then repositioned closer to the teeth, reducing pocket depth and making it easier to keep your mouth healthy moving forward.

When Is Osseous Surgery Recommended?

Osseous surgery is often recommended when non-surgical periodontal therapy, such as scaling and root planing, cannot fully eliminate deep infection.

You may be a candidate if you have:

• Moderate or advanced periodontal disease
• Deep periodontal pockets
• Persistent bleeding or swollen gums
• Progressive bone loss around the teeth
• Loose teeth caused by gum disease
• Areas that remain infected after deep cleaning

An evaluation by Dr. Novack will determine whether pocket reduction surgery is the most effective treatment for your condition.

Benefits of Pocket Reduction Surgery

Periodontal surgery offers benefits that extend well beyond treating an active infection. By reducing harmful bacteria and restoring healthier gum architecture, the procedure can improve your long-term oral health.

• Stops the progression of gum disease
• Reduces deep periodontal pockets
• Helps preserve natural teeth
• Slows or prevents additional jawbone loss
• Makes brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings more effective
• Improves gum health and overall oral function
• May improve your candidacy for future restorative treatment if needed

What Happens During the Procedure?

Your comfort is always our priority. The area being treated is completely numbed using local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for patients who experience dental anxiety.

During surgery, the gums are gently lifted to expose the infected root surfaces and damaged bone. All plaque, tartar, and bacteria are meticulously removed from beneath the gumline. Areas of uneven or damaged bone are carefully reshaped to eliminate spaces where bacteria tend to collect.

In certain cases, regenerative procedures such as guided bone and tissue regeneration may also be recommended to rebuild bone that has been lost due to periodontal disease.

Once treatment is complete, the gums are repositioned and secured to create shallower, healthier pockets that are much easier to maintain.

Recovery After Osseous Surgery

Most patients experience only mild swelling and discomfort following periodontal surgery. Ice packs, prescribed medications, and detailed postoperative instructions help make recovery as comfortable as possible.

To encourage optimal healing, we recommend:

• Following all postoperative instructions carefully
• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene
• Avoiding smoking and tobacco products
• Eating soft, nutritious foods during the initial healing period
• Attending all follow-up appointments

Regular periodontal maintenance visits are essential after treatment to help keep your gums healthy and prevent future disease.

Experienced Periodontal Care in North York

Dr. Novack has extensive experience treating all stages of periodontal disease using advanced surgical and regenerative techniques. Every treatment plan is customized to your individual needs with the goal of eliminating infection, preserving your natural teeth whenever possible, and helping you achieve lasting periodontal health.

Whether you have recently been diagnosed with advanced gum disease or have been referred by your general dentist, our team is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based periodontal care for patients throughout North York and Toronto.