Periodontal Treatments in Longwood, Florida
Periodontal Treatment Options
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, there are a variety of treatment options dependent upon the severity of the problem. We always start with the least invasive options, but in more serious cases, surgery may be beneficial.
Non-Surgical Treatment
The most commonly prescribed first step in treating gum disease is a Scaling and Root Planing, known by some as a Deep Cleaning. In this procedure, instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar that is trapped under the gum line, on the root of the tooth. This treatment facilitates a healthy, clean surface that promotes the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.
If you address your gum disease before it becomes severe, Scaling and Root Planing may be the only treatment necessary. However, as with any dental procedure, aftercare is vital to long-term success. Even after effective Scaling and Root Planing, if you do not continue with the regularly scheduled hygiene visits, it is possible for you to develop gum disease again.
Surgical Treatment Options
In severe cases of gum disease, surgical intervention may beindicated to prevent future damage and, in some cases, regenerate lost bone and gum tissue. The following is a list of common types of periodontal surgeries:
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Pocket Depth Reduction
In a healthy mouth, the teeth are firmly surrounded by gum tissue and securely supported by the bones of the jaw. Periodontal disease damages these elements, leaving open spaces around the teeth that we call pockets. The deeper these pockets are, the easier it is for bacteria to collect inside them, leading to infection and damage. Eventually the supportive structure degrades to the point that the tooth permanently loosens or may need to be removed.
Pocket reduction procedures fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria hiding underneath as well as the hardened plaque and tartar that have collected. The clean, healthy tissue is then put back into place and the gums can reattach to the teeth.
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Regeneration
When the bone and tissue supporting the teeth have been lost due to severe gum disease, we can rebuild these areas with regenerative procedures. Bone grafts and special proteins may be applied to stimulate new bone formation and tissue growth, which can repair areas that have been destroyed by gum disease.
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Soft-Tissue Graft
Gum recession (also called gingival recession) can be a result of gum disease and creates a biologic and esthetic complication. As the gums recede, more of the roots are revealed. This makes teeth appear longer and can also create sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or food. It also exposes the tooth to increased damage from gum disease, as bacteria, plaque, and tartar attack thevulnerable root surface of the tooth.
Soft tissue grafting facilitates the coverage of exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession. In this procedure, tissue from another site is used to cover the roots, restoring the gum line to its original, healthy, more esthetic location.