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Periodontal Disease
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Click the links below to learn everything you need to know about Periodontal Disease, how it is treated and its links to other health problems:
How Periodontal Disease is Treated
Because the bacteria that causes periodontal disease are different from the normal bacteria in the mouth and because they invade the gum and the bone, many times conventional/routine cleaning is not enough.
The results of "cleaning and disinfecting" together have been shown to be much more effective than either one alone. Root Planing and Scaling is one of the best approaches for giving the body a fresh start at healing the gum and bone around the teeth. Periodontics has made great strides in the surgical and non-surgical management of periodontal problems. With this innovative technique, our doctors have been able to allow many patients to reach periodontal health in a simple, effective, less invasive, and more affordable way.
Below are some of the ways we treat periodontal disease:
LANAP (Periolase) – Laser Gum Surgery
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY is an amazing breakthrough in periodontal treatments. If you have been told you need scalpel and suture gum surgery, there's a laser alternative you need to learn about. A tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum, and the infection is cleared away. PERIOLASE is the only patented protocol, F.D.A. approved laser for regeneration of gum tissues. Click Here to learn more and watch and educational video on periolase.
Root Planing and Scaling
The emphasis in our practice is on conservative periodontal therapy. Many times, early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step is usually a thorough cleaning whereby plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line are scraped away (scaling) and rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing). Root planing involves placing a fine ultrasonic tip in between the tooth and gum tissue to remove any plaque and calculus below the gum line. Four to six weeks later, periodontal pockets are eliminated due to gum shrinkage. Then the patient can personally maintain these areas with routine brushing and flossing.
Antibiotics or irrigation with antimicrobials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, our doctors may place antibiotic materials in the periodontal pockets after scaling. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.
Laser Pocket Decontamination
Thanks to advances in dental laser technology, we can treat periodontitis and sometimes avoid surgery. The precise dental lasers we use emit a focused beam that eliminates bacteria in the periodontal pockets (called laser decontamination). After removing plaque and deposits, the thin laser probe is lowered into the bottom of the bacteria-infected periodontal pocket. The laser beam removes aggressive bacteria (germs) and creates conditions which aid the healing of periodontal infections. Clinical studies show that laser therapy considerably improves the chance of recovery from periodontal disease.
Gum Grafts - Subepithelial connective tissue grafts
When recession of the gingiva occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma.
When there is only minor recession, some healthy gingiva often remain and protect the tooth; in that case no treatment other than improved home care is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost. Gum recession also often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Also, significant gum recession can lead to the exposure of the root surface, which is softer than enamel, and cause root caries and root gouging.
A gingival graft is designed to solve these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth, or gently moved over from adjacent areas, to provide a stable band of attached gingiva around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root. The gingival graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
This surgical procedure "regenerates" the previously lost gum and bone tissue. Most techniques utilize membranes, which are inserted over the bone defects. Some of these membranes are bio-absorbable and some require removal. Other regenerative procedures involve the use of bioactive gels.
Bone Grafting
Over a period of time, the jaw bone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. In these situations, some patients are not candidates for placement of dental implants.
We now have the ability to grow bone where needed. This not only gives us the opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance. The bone graft procedures are:
- Sinus lift procedure
The sinus membrane is elevated and bone graft is placed onto the sinus floor, allowing implants to be placed in the back part of the upper jaw.
- Ridge-augmentation
In severe cases the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase the ridge height and/or width.
These procedures may be performed separately or together, depending upon the individual's condition. There are several areas of the body which are suitable for attaining bone grafts. In the maxillofacial region, bone grafts can be taken from inside the mouth, in the area of the chin or third molar region or in the upper jaw behind the last tooth. In more extensive situations, a greater quantity of bone can be attained from the hip.
With the exception of hip grafting, these surgeries are performed in the our office surgical suite under I.V. sedation. After discharge, bed rest is recommended for one day and limited physical activity for one week.
Crown Lengthening
If you have a "gummy" smile, the cause may not be short teeth, but too much gum tissue covering your teeth. To correct this, we can reshape excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the natural tooth.
Crown lengthening can also make certain restorative or cosmetic procedures possible. If your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration, such as a crown or bridge, crown lengthening can be performed to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.
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