periodontics

Periodontal or gum disease (gingivitis) results in swollen and bleeding gums. During the onset of gingivitis, your general dentist may treat the condition. However, patients with advanced cases generally are referred to a periodontist for specialized treatment. A periodontist specializes in surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat the various stages of gum disease. Standard surgical procedures a periodontist may perform:

Pocket depth reduction:

Excess bacteria can harm gums and bone, causing deep pockets around the teeth. To prevent tooth loss, a periodontist gently lifts gum tissue, removes bacteria, and reattaches the tissue.

Soft tissue grafts:

This procedure repairs receding gums and prevents further bone loss by using gum tissue, often from the upper palate, to cover exposed tooth roots.

Dental implants:

For a permanent solution when a tooth is lost to infection, a dental implant can be placed by a periodontist. The implant becomes a lasting part of your smile, unlike dentures or bridges.

Non-surgical treatments:

A Periodontist offers scaling and root planing, laser treatments, and root surface debridement to remove plaque, repair gums, and restore oral health. Additionally, they can perform cosmetic procedures, including dental implants and tissue grafts.

Periodontal disease is known as a “silent” disease, not always displaying early signs. See your dentist if you experience:
 

• Changes to your teeth, bite, or dental treatments

• Your teeth begin to feel loose or separate

• A change in the fit of your teeth when you bite down

• Your bridges, implants, or partial dentures don't fit properly

• Existing dental fillings are defective

• Changes to your gums

• Recurring redness, puffiness, gum recession, tenderness of your gums

• Swelling and bleedings gums while brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods

• Receding gums (your gums are pulling back from your teeth) causing them to look longer

• A bitter or unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth

• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)

• Persistent metallic flavor in your mouth

• Mouth sores

• Pus between your gums and teeth

• New sores or irritations that do not heal within two weeks

Types of Periodontal Treatment

There are many patient-specific variables involved with treating periodontal disease. For example, much depends upon the stage of infection and the amount of deterioration involving your gums, teeth, supporting tissues, and bone. Your periodontist reviews your x-rays after performing a thorough exam of your teeth and gums. Next, they will discuss non-surgical or surgical treatment options with you. Ask questions and know what to expect during and after any procedure(s):

• The number of office visits required for treatment

• What to do at home as your gums heal

• Keeping periodontal disease under control after treatment is complete

Non-Surgical

The most well-known type of non-surgical treatment is scaling and root planing. This under-the-gum procedure involves the careful removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. During this procedure, your periodontist smooths your roots to expose and remove harmful bacteria. Root smoothing, along with the practice of good oral hygiene, can help prevent plaque from accumulating again.

Surgical

Periodontal surgery may be needed to eliminate bone infections or to regenerate lost bone. The most common surgical treatments include:

• Pocket Reduction:

During this procedure, your periodontist applies a local anesthetic. Next, they fold back your gum tissue to expose deeper tissues. As a result, your dentist removes harmful bacteria. Often, the damaged bone requires the smoothing of irregular surfaces to reveal hidden areas of bacteria. Gum tissue is then closed and sutured in place.

• Bone Regeneration:

As mentioned above, your periodontist applies a local anesthetic. Next, they fold back your gum tissue to expose deeper tissues. The removal of disease-causing bacteria is a vital step. Our body's natural ability to reproduce bone and tissue requires membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins. Your periodontist may reverse some of the damage through this procedure. The reshaping of excess gum and bone tissues exposes more of the natural tooth. Some patients require one or several teeth to even out the gum line. As a result, the surgery exposes a genuine, broad smile. Gum tissue is then closed and sutured in place.