Pocket Irrigation

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can lead to gum inflammation, bone and gum tissue recession, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated. Fortunately, there are various effective treatments and procedures available to address this disease, including pocket irrigation, which can help in managing its progression.

The primary objective of pocket irrigation is to cleanse the interdental (between teeth) and subgingival (under the gumline) regions of the mouth to prevent the colonization of harmful oral bacteria and promote better oral health. This procedure is also utilized for delivering antibacterial agents to the subgingival areas.

There are several reasons why pocket irrigation is beneficial, and it can serve different preventive purposes:

Interdental cleaning: Pocket irrigators utilize powerful jets of water to dislodge plaque, food particles, and debris from between the teeth. By removing these harmful substances and bacteria, the gum pockets become cleaner and shallower, contributing to the overall health of the gum tissue.

Halitosis prevention: Bad breath, or halitosis, often results from residual food particles trapped between the teeth and tooth decay. While a toothbrush or dental scraper may not effectively reach into the depths of the gum pockets, water jets from a pocket irrigator can flush out food particles and help clean both above and below the gumline.

Subgingival cleaning: Pocket irrigators are designed with rounded tips to ensure safe cleaning under the gumline without causing tissue damage. The side port opening allows for thorough cleansing by flushing out bacteria, particles, and toxins from beneath the gumline.

Antimicrobial application: Certain antimicrobial substances have demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating and preventing the growth of harmful oral bacteria. These substances can be combined with water or used independently to deliver successful pocket irrigation, further reducing the presence of subgingival oral bacteria.

Pocket irrigation treatment is typically performed in conjunction with other dental procedures, such as professional dental cleanings or pocket reduction surgery. During pocket reduction surgery, tartar and subgingival plaque are removed using specialized scaling and root planing instruments. Once the pockets are clear of debris, an antimicrobial agent may be applied using an oral irrigator to target any remaining harmful bacteria within the pockets.

In deep cleaning procedures, a pocket irrigator may be used after scaling and root planing to thoroughly cleanse the pockets. Similar to pocket reduction surgery, an antimicrobial agent may be employed to help reduce subgingival oral bacteria.

For daily oral care routines at home, pocket irrigation can be incorporated using a water jet or water pick. Flushing the interdental areas with water is less likely to cause harm to soft tissues compared to dental floss. However, it is important to note that pocket irrigation at home should not be considered a substitute for professional dental cleaning, as regular dental visits are essential for maintaining optimal oral health.