Pocket Irrigation for Gum Disease in Scottsdale, AZ

Understanding Pocket irrigation

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which leads to gum inflammation, the recession of bone and gum tissue, and tooth loss if left untreated. There are a variety of effective treatments and procedures available, including pocket irrigation, which can assist in treating the progression of the disease.

Pocket irrigation aims to cleanse plaque from the interdental (between teeth) and subgingival (under the gumline) regions of the mouth in order to prevent the colonization of harmful oral bacteria. This procedure is also used to deliver antibacterials to the subgingival areas.

Reasons for pocket irrigation

Pocket irrigation, which is also known as oral irrigation, is a versatile dental treatment used for several different preventative purposes. Pocket irrigation may be performed as part of a professional dental cleaning, or at home with a specially modified oral irrigator.

Here are the main ways in which pocket irrigation can be beneficial:

Interdental cleaning – Pocket irrigators blast plaque, food particles and other debris from between the teeth. The removal of harmful materials and bacteria keep the gum pockets cleaner and shallower; thus helping the gum tissue remain healthy.
Halitosis prevention – Halitosis (or bad breath) is generally a result of old food particles between the teeth, and tooth decay. A toothbrush or dental scraper alone may not be able to reach into the depths of the gum pockets, but water jets can flush out food particles and help clean above and below the gumline.
Subgingival cleaning – Pocket irrigators have a rounded tip which eliminates the risk of tissue damage while cleaning under the gumline. The side port opening facilitates extensive cleansing by flushing out bacteria, particles and toxins from below the gumline.
Antimicrobial application – Antimicrobial substances have proven effective for eliminating and preventing some strains of harmful oral bacteria. Antimicrobial substances can be combined with water, or used as a stand-alone treatment for successful pocket irrigation.

What does pocket irrigation treatment involve?

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

In the case of a pocket reduction surgery, the tartar and subgingival plaque will be 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 will help 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 should not be used as a substitute for professional dental cleaning.

If you have any questions about pocket irrigation, cleaning your teeth, periodontal disease and treatment, please ask your dentist.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Gum Disease Diagnosis

Gum Recession

Laser Periodontal Treatment

Mouth - Body Connection

Periodontal Cleanings (Maintenance)

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy

Periodontal Disease and Respiratory Disease

Periodontal Disease Antibiotic Treatment

Periodontal Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke

Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Types of Periodontal Disease

What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Reviews

What our patients are saying

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a patient of Dr. Bleeker’s for many years, and it has always been a pleasure to be under his care. His professionalism is truly beyond the highest standard. He consistently demonstrates exceptional skill, integrity, and genuine concern for his patients. Several years ago, I had veneers placed, and they performed beautifully without any issues for many years.  When one of the veneered teeth later came off, Dr. Bleeker recommended placing a full crown, which worked perfectly. About a week later, a second tooth veneer came loose. Rather than simply replacing it, he chose to place another full crown to ensure a stronger, longer-lasting result. What impressed me most was that both crowns were provided free of charge—far beyond what I ever expected. Dr. Bleeker truly went above and beyond to stand behind his work and ensure I was completely satisfied. I am incredibly grateful for his dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. I highly recommend Dr. Bleeker to anyone seeking outstanding dental care.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   William Mcardle 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am a general dentist in Phoenix and I needed Dr Bleeker’s help with a complex denture where my patient had to have his mandibular bone removed and replaced with a leg bone. I successfully help my patients with dentures in my office, but this particular case was beyond my skill level. Dr Bleeker has been exactly what this patient needed—knowledgeable, kind, easy to work with, and full of solutions. I will definitely refer other complex patients to Dr Bleeker.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Paul Nielson 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been to quite a few dentists in my time. I have implants and crowns and hands down Dr. Bleeker and his fabulous assistant, Cheryl make it worthwhile to drive from the Biltmore area to North Scottsdale. I highly recommend this dental practice.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Sherrie Kelly 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best office ever! Dr Bleeker is so talented and Cheryl and Melinda are so knowledgeable and kind! Always leave there laughing and having a great time!!!!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Interiors professional 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I met Dr Bleeker on a referral; I was able To get right away because of a cancellation. I love the easy manner Dr Bleeker has and how relaxed he is. His PA Cheryl is very professional, however, she will always make you smile. They have all the latest technology including lasers for healing and Yomi for robotic surgery implant placement.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Beverly Schwartz 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very clean office great atmosphere! Very professional staff! Dr Bleeker is very artistic
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Lyn Chi 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is the best place  to go for any and all dental work!  The staff and the doctor know what they’re doing. I can’t believe the difference in knowledge, experience and technology that they have. Just don’t go anywhere else you will regret it. That’s what happened to me…all of the time and money I  wasted at these other dental offices ..I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Bleeker and his staff.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   K N

I have been a patient of Dr. Bleeker’s for many years, and it has always been a pleasure to be under his care. His professionalism is truly beyond the highest standard. He consistently demonstrates exceptional skill, integrity, and genuine concern for his patients. Several years ago, I had veneers placed, and they performed beautifully without any issues for many years. When one of the veneered teeth later came off, Dr. Bleeker recommended placing a full crown, which worked perfectly. About a week later, a second tooth veneer came loose. Rather than simply replacing it, he chose to place another full crown to ensure a stronger, longer-lasting result. What impressed me most was that both crowns were provided free of charge—far beyond what I ever expected. Dr. Bleeker truly went above and beyond to stand behind his work and ensure I was completely satisfied. I am incredibly grateful for his dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. I highly recommend Dr. Bleeker to anyone seeking outstanding dental care.

William Mcardle

I am a general dentist in Phoenix and I needed Dr Bleeker’s help with a complex denture where my patient had to have his mandibular bone removed and replaced with a leg bone. I successfully help my patients with dentures in my office, but this particular case was beyond my skill level. Dr Bleeker has been exactly what this patient needed—knowledgeable, kind, easy to work with, and full of solutions. I will definitely refer other complex patients to Dr Bleeker.

Paul Nielson

I’ve been to quite a few dentists in my time. I have implants and crowns and hands down Dr. Bleeker and his fabulous assistant, Cheryl make it worthwhile to drive from the Biltmore area to North Scottsdale. I highly recommend this dental practice.

Sherrie Kelly

Best office ever! Dr Bleeker is so talented and Cheryl and Melinda are so knowledgeable and kind! Always leave there laughing and having a great time!!!!

Interiors professional

I met Dr Bleeker on a referral; I was able To get right away because of a cancellation. I love the easy manner Dr Bleeker has and how relaxed he is. His PA Cheryl is very professional, however, she will always make you smile. They have all the latest technology including lasers for healing and Yomi for robotic surgery implant placement.

Beverly Schwartz

Very clean office great atmosphere! Very professional staff! Dr Bleeker is very artistic

Lyn Chi

This is the best place to go for any and all dental work! The staff and the doctor know what they’re doing. I can’t believe the difference in knowledge, experience and technology that they have. Just don’t go anywhere else you will regret it. That’s what happened to me…all of the time and money I wasted at these other dental offices ..I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Bleeker and his staff.

K N

Pocket Irrigation in Scottsdale, AZ

Understanding Pocket irrigation

Reasons for pocket irrigation

What does pocket irrigation treatment involve?

Reviews

What our patients are saying

Let’s Talk About Your Smile Goals

Monday	8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday	8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday	8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday	8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday	8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed