PROCEDURES

Periodontics

Periodontics

Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases that impact both the gums and jawbone. These tissues are crucial for supporting and anchoring teeth in place. Periodontists undergo extensive additional training to ensure the optimal function, health, and appearance of the jawbone and surrounding tissues.

Periodontal disease, starting with mild gum inflammation known as gingivitis, is a serious condition that progresses over time. It’s a leading cause of tooth loss among adults in developed nations. While it often manifests as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, sometimes it shows no noticeable symptoms.

Initially, the bacteria in plaque infect the tissues surrounding the teeth, leading to irritation and pain. Left untreated, this infection can cause the jawbone to recede and teeth to loosen.

Periodontal treatment may become necessary for various reasons:

Moderate/advanced gum disease: Characterized by bleeding, swelling, or redness around most teeth and receding jawbone.

Localized gum recession: Often originating in one area, it can result from over brushing or misaligned teeth, requiring immediate attention to prevent further spread.

Before crown lengthening: Soft tissue removal may be needed to expose more of the tooth’s crown.

Ridge augmentation: Corrects uneven gum lines but requires prior treatment of infections and periodontitis.

For mild/moderate periodontal issues, the focus is on curing bacterial infections and advising on effective home cleaning methods. Deep scaling may be necessary to remove plaque and tartar, while advanced cases might require intensive cleaning and extraction of irreparable teeth.

Periodontists are trained in dental implant procedures to restore mouth functionality after periodontitis.

Given its progressive nature, removing bacteria and calculus buildup is crucial to halting infection spread. Your dentist can offer guidance on effective cleaning methods and treatment options.

What is a Periodontist?

Periodontists are experts in caring for the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone. Following dental school, they complete three years of specialized residency training in periodontology. This intensive training equips them with the skills to effectively manage periodontal disease and perform dental implant procedures with precision and expertise.

When to See a Periodontist

A periodontist is an expert in preventing, diagnosing, and treating infections in the gums, soft tissues, and jawbone. They are also skilled in performing cosmetic dental procedures to enhance your smile.

Antibiotic Treatment

Untreated periodontal disease can result in serious inflammation and tooth loss. Antibiotic treatments, combined with periodontal procedures, effectively diminish bacteria. These treatments can be administered orally or applied as topical gels in acute cases. They are beneficial for both short-term and long-term use to prevent bacterial re-colonization.

Bruxism

Bruxism, characterized by teeth grinding and jaw clenching, typically occurs during sleep and can lead to symptoms such as headaches and earaches. While common, it’s often misdiagnosed. Our skilled professionals excel in distinguishing bruxism from other factors contributing to tooth wear.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening enhances gum health and prepares the mouth for restorative or cosmetic procedures. This technique effectively addresses a “gummy” smile by reshaping gum and bone tissue, revealing more of the natural tooth for a more appealing smile.

Gum & Jawbone Corrective Treatments

Different conditions such as periodontal disease, trauma, or birth defects may require corrective treatments for gums and jawbones. Advanced cosmetic procedures in periodontics offer effective solutions to these issues, rejuvenating the smile’s natural beauty.

Gum Grafting

A gum graft, also known as gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery, is a procedure that involves covering exposed tooth roots with grafted oral tissue. This treatment is often necessary to address gingival recession caused by periodontal disease, vigorous brushing habits, or trauma.

Gum Recession

Gingival recession, also known as receding gums, is the gradual loss of gum tissue that can expose tooth roots. While more prevalent in adults over 40, it can occur earlier. Its initial stages often show no symptoms, underscoring the need for routine dental check-ups to prevent and assess risks.

Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are essential procedures aimed at eliminating factors that contribute to gum and bone inflammation, including dental plaque and tartar. These non-surgical treatments are exceptionally effective for addressing gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.

Pocket Irrigation

Neglected periodontal disease can result in gum inflammation, bone and tissue loss, and ultimately tooth loss. Pocket irrigation offers a thorough cleansing of interdental and subgingival areas, preventing the colonization of harmful bacteria. Additionally, it facilitates the delivery of antibacterial agents to subgingival regions, assisting in disease management.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Pocket reduction surgery, which encompasses procedures like gingivectomy and flap surgery, is a targeted approach to combat periodontal infections. By accessing tooth roots to eliminate bacteria and tartar, this surgery effectively addresses the root cause of deep pockets, which result from gum and bone tissue destruction. Ultimately, the goal is to minimize pocket depth, disrupt the destructive cycle, and safeguard against tooth loss.

Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

Regular dental prophylaxis is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing periodontal disease and gingivitis triggered by bacterial plaque buildup. Neglecting these conditions can result in inflammation, damage to bone and gum tissues, tooth instability, and even systemic health issues.

Regenerative Procedures

Neglected periodontal disease results in tooth loss due to bacterial infections triggering gum and bone recession. Timely diagnosis and regenerative treatments halt disease advancement, safeguarding teeth for the long term.

Ridge Modification

Ridge modification is a procedure that addresses jaw deformities resulting from issues like periodontal disease or trauma. This process entails exposing the defect, filling it with bone graft material, and facilitating healing. Implants can also be inserted either concurrently with or following the procedure, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Root Amputation

Root amputation is a procedure aimed at preserving injured teeth, particularly multi-root teeth such as molars, by removing a single root. This technique offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative to costly replacements like implants. With just 1-3 visits, root amputation not only saves natural teeth but also ensures optimal dental health.

Sinus Augmentation

Dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots, vital for stable tooth replacement. However, they necessitate ample jawbone support. In cases of bone loss, sinus augmentation becomes necessary to elevate the sinus floor. This straightforward procedure involves a minor incision, creating space for a bone graft to stimulate new bone growth before implant placement, ensuring optimal success rates.

Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafting is a solution for gum recession caused by factors such as periodontal disease, aging, or trauma. Exposed tooth roots can cause discomfort, decay, and affect your smile. This procedure aims to cover exposed roots or thicken existing gum tissue, preventing further loss and enhancing oral health.

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