Periodontal Treatments

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the areas around the teeth, specifically the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The earliest cases and most common cases are the gum disease gingivitis. Over time, this infection can spread to all of the surrounding areas.

Non-Surgical Treatment

As with many diseases, early detection allows for much simpler and less-invasive treatments. In early stages of periodontal disease, a cleaning called “scaling and root planing” is usually all that is required. In this procedure, we use an ultrasonic cleaning device to remove plaque and tartar that would be overwise unreachable. This is usually found under the gum line, on the tooth, and around the root. The rough surface around the root is then smoothed out to make it much easier for the gum tissue to reattach.

While scaling and root planing commonly cures early stages of periodontal disease, it can often return without proper oral hygiene. Follow normal oral hygiene routines such as daily brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco use, and regular dental checkups.

Surgical Treatment

In more serious cases of periodontal disease, there are many different surgical options that are available. After your evaluation, we’ll recommend the surgery that is best suited for your specific situation.

Pocket Depth Reduction

Over time, periodontal disease can eat away at the tissue surrounding the roots of the teeth, creating pockets. The bigger the pockets are, the more bacteria that they can collect. This creates even more tooth decay and damage.

In this procedure, we fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria hiding underneath, as well as the hardened plaque and tartar that have collected. We may also remove any tissue that is too damaged to survive. We then sew the healthy tissue back into place. Now that the tooth and root are free of bacteria, plaque, and tartar, and the pockets have been reduced, the gums can reattach to the teeth.

Regeneration

When severe gum disease destroys the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, we can stimulate a regeneration process. This typically involves removing any bacteria, plaque, and tartar from under the gum tissue. Then, we may perform a bone graft to stimulate new bone growth, or apply a protein that will stimulate tissue growth.

Soft-Tissue Graft

Gum disease creates gum recession in which more of the root of your teeth becomes exposed. This allows for more bacteria to build up as well as a sensitivity to hot or cold liquids and food.

In this procedure, we take tissue from the top of your mouth and sew it to the gum area, covering your roots back to their original, healthy location.