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Pocket Irrigation in Lubbock Will Help You Defeat Gum Disease

At High Plains Periodontics, we take periodontal disease very seriously. Our team offers a variety of effective treatments, including pocket irrigation in Lubbock, to help treat the infection by cleaning harmful bacteria from between the teeth and under the gumline. Oral irrigation is used in the office or at home for:

Interdental cleaning – Pocket irrigators blast plaque, food particles, and other debris from between the teeth.
Halitosis prevention – Bad breath is generally a result of old food particles between the teeth and tooth decay. Water jets can flush out food particles and help clean above and below the gumline.
Subgingival cleaning – Pocket irrigators have a rounded tip that facilitates safe cleaning under the gumline.
Antimicrobial application – Antimicrobial substances can be combined with water, or used as a stand-alone treatment for successful pocket irrigation.

Call 806-507-6906 to schedule your next appointment. Feel nervous about visiting? We can help!

What Does Pocket Irrigation Treatment Involve?

Pocket irrigation is generally performed in combination with other dental treatments – for example, as part of professional dental cleaning or in combination with pocket reduction surgery.

In the case of a pocket reduction surgery, the tartar and subgingival plaque are removed with special scaling and root planing instruments. When the pockets are free of debris, an antimicrobial agent may be applied using an oral irrigator. This helps reduce harmful oral bacteria which still remain in the pockets.

During a deep cleaning procedure, a pocket irrigator may be used after scaling and root planing to cleanse the pockets. Again, an antimicrobial agent may be applied to help reduce subgingival oral bacteria.

Pocket irrigation can be performed at home as part of the daily oral routine using a water jet or water pick. Flushing the interdental area with water is less harmful to soft tissue than dental floss, but it should not be used as a substitute for a professional dental cleaning.

Call 806-507-6906 today to see how pocket irrigation in Lubbock can improve your gum health.

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Common Questions About Pocket Irrigation

Is pocket irrigation painful?

In general, pocket irrigation shouldn’t cause pain when performed properly. However, if you have sensitive gums or if the pockets are particularly deep or inflamed, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during the procedure. Your periodontist will make the effort to minimize any discomfort, such as adjusting the pressure of the irrigation device or using a topical anesthetic beforehand.

Will pocket irrigation get rid of gum disease?

Pocket irrigation is an important part of your treatment plan for gum disease, but it’s typically not the sole solution for eliminating gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic condition caused by bacteria and plaque buildup around the teeth and gums. While irrigation can be a highly-effective way to help us treat and even prevent infection, it is not a complete cure.

How much does pocket irrigation cost?

The only way to know for sure is to visit High Plains Periodontics for a full exam and treatment plan. Pocket irrigation done in the office may be covered by insurance as well. If you would like to learn more about at-home irrigation tools, please ask at your next appointment. We’d be happy to help you select an option that works for you.