Comprehensive Periodontal Treatment

What is Periodontal Disease?

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Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums, and can lead to inflammation and infection.

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In the early stages, periodontal disease may cause your gums to become red, swollen, and tender, and you may experience bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. As the disease progresses, it can cause your gums to recede and create pockets between your teeth and gums, allowing bacteria to enter and damage the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place.

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Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. However, with early detection and proper treatment, the progression of the disease can be halted and the damage reversed.

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At our office, we offer a range of treatments to address periodontal disease, including deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, and surgical procedures. We also provide education on proper oral hygiene habits to help prevent the disease from returning.

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If you are experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, such as swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. Our team of dental professionals is here to provide the care and support you need to maintain a healthy smile.

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Scaling and Root Planing / Non Surgical Periodontal Treatment

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Non-surgical periodontal treatment is a common method used to treat periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This treatment is typically the first step in addressing the condition and involves removing the buildup of bacteria and plaque that has accumulated below the gumline.

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The non-surgical periodontal treatment process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your gums and teeth. During this evaluation, our team will examine your gums to determine the extent of the disease and develop a customized treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

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The non-surgical periodontal treatment procedure typically involves two parts: scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing the buildup of plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gumline using special instruments. Root planing involves smoothing out the surface of the tooth roots to remove any rough areas that may be harboring bacteria and creating a smooth surface that will allow your gums to reattach to your teeth.

After the treatment is complete, our periodontal team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums at home, including proper brushing and flossing techniques. We will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that the treatment is working effectively.

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Non-surgical periodontal treatment is a highly effective method for treating early to moderate stages of gum disease. However, it's important to remember that good oral hygiene habits, including regular dental visits and proper brushing and flossing, are key to preventing the recurrence of gum disease.

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Chemotherapeutics & Antibiotic Treatment of Periodontal Disease (Arestin)

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Chemotherapeutic agents, such as Arestin, are medications that are used to treat bacterial infections, including those that cause periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. It can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems if left untreated.

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In the treatment of periodontal disease, chemotherapeutic agents are typically used as an adjunct to other therapies, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning of the teeth and gums) and oral hygiene measures like brushing and flossing.

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The most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents for periodontal disease are antimicrobial agents, which are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease. These agents can be administered in different ways, including as oral rinses, gels, or locally applied antibiotics.

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Oral rinses containing antimicrobial agents are used to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and promote healing of the gum tissue. Gels containing antimicrobial agents are applied directly to the gum tissue and can help reduce inflammation and improve healing. Locally applied antibiotics can be used in specific areas of the mouth where bacterial infections are particularly severe.

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While chemotherapeutic agents can be effective in the treatment of periodontal disease, they are not a substitute for other therapies such as scaling and root planing and good oral hygiene practices. It is important for patients to work closely with their dentist or periodontist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of their periodontal disease and incorporates appropriate chemotherapeutic agents as part of their overall care.

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Surgical Treatment of Periodontal Disease

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Surgical treatment for periodontal disease is typically recommended when non-surgical interventions, such as scaling and root planing and chemotherapeutic agents, have been ineffective in treating the disease. The goal of periodontal surgery is to access and remove the deep-seated plaque and calculus, reduce the depth of periodontal pockets, and create an environment for healing and regeneration of the gum tissue and bone.

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There are several types of surgical procedures that may be performed depending on the extent and severity of the periodontal disease, including:

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1. Osseous periodontal surgery: In this procedure, the gum tissue is lifted away from the teeth to allow access to the roots and underlying bone. The root surfaces are then cleaned and smoothed, and any damaged bone is removed. The gum tissue is then repositioned and sutured back into place, allowing for better attachment to the teeth.

2. Bone grafting: If the periodontal disease has caused bone loss, bone grafting may be necessary to help regenerate the bone tissue. This involves placing small pieces of bone, either from the patient's own body or a donor source, into the affected area to promote new bone growth.

3. Guided tissue regeneration: This procedure involves the use of a barrier membrane to promote the growth of new bone and gum tissue. The membrane is placed between the gum tissue and the bone to prevent the growth of unwanted tissue and encourage the growth of new tissue.

 

Overall, surgical treatment for periodontal disease can be highly effective in reducing the severity of the disease, improving oral health, and preventing further damage to the teeth and gums. It is important for patients to work closely with our team to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs.

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Periodontal Regeneration

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Periodontal regeneration is a process of restoring the structures that support the teeth, including the gum tissue, bone, and ligaments, that have been damaged by periodontal disease. It is a complex process that involves the use of various techniques to promote the growth of new tissue and bone.

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The goal of periodontal regeneration is to reverse the damage caused by periodontal disease and restore the support structures around the teeth, which can help prevent tooth loss and improve overall oral health. There are several techniques used in periodontal regeneration, including:

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1. Guided tissue regeneration: This involves the use of a barrier membrane to prevent the growth of unwanted tissue and encourage the growth of new bone and gum tissue. The membrane is placed between the gum tissue and the bone to promote the regeneration of new tissue.

2. Bone grafting: If bone loss has occurred as a result of periodontal disease, bone grafting may be necessary to promote the growth of new bone tissue. Small pieces of bone may be taken from the patient's own body or from a donor source and placed in the affected area to promote new bone growth.

3. Growth factors: Growth factors can be used to stimulate the growth of new bone and gum tissue. They are typically extracted from the patient's own blood or a donor source and applied to the affected area to promote tissue regeneration.

 

It is important for patients to work closely with their dentist or periodontist to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs. Periodontal regeneration can be a complex process that requires careful planning and monitoring to achieve the best possible results.

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Frenectomy

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A frenectomy is a dental procedure that involves removing a small piece of tissue called a frenulum. The frenulum is a thin, membranous tissue that connects the tongue or the lip to the gums. There are two types of frenula in the mouth: the lingual frenulum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the labial frenulum, which connects the inside of the upper lip to the gum tissue.

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A frenectomy is often recommended when a frenulum is too short or too tight, causing discomfort or interfering with normal oral functions such as speaking, eating or swallowing. For example, a short lingual frenulum can cause a condition known as tongue-tie, where the tongue is restricted in movement, which can lead to difficulty with breastfeeding, speech impediments, and difficulty swallowing.

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The frenectomy procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. We will use a laser to make a small incision in the frenulum, and then carefully remove the tissue. You may be given pain medication to manage any discomfort or swelling.

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The recovery time for a frenectomy is usually short, and patients are generally able to return to their normal activities within a day or two. It is important to follow any post-operative instructions provided , which may include avoiding certain foods or activities for a few days, and keeping the area clean to prevent infection.

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Overall, a frenectomy can be a simple and effective solution for patients who are experiencing discomfort or difficulty due to a tight or short frenulum, and can improve their oral health and quality of life.