I went to a periodontist and he told me that the good news is that i don't have periodontitis, but i do have gingivitis and 1 or 2 "pockets." what are "pockets" and how are they treated? i also have calculus which has to be removed..how is that done?

Pockets are areas of gingivitis which are deep and ofter bleed. Good cleaning and flossing should get rid if them. And keep them from coming back. But you only need to do this for the teeth you want to keep.;-)

Your periodontist will explain further, but in simple terms it is when the bone around your tooth recedes, but your gingiva does not. That leaves a space between the tooth and your gum where bacteria and food can collect. As the pockets get deeper, more food and bacteria collect which keeps the area inflamed, resulting in further bone loss and deepening pockets. Reduced pockets = healthier gums.