Gum Treatment


	Gum Treatment

Periodontal Treatment:

Periodontal or gum disease includes gingivitis and periodontitis and are serious infections that if left untreated can lead to tooth loss and affect both the gums and supporting bone. Because it can be painless you may not know you have gum disease.

The beginning stage is gingivitis. It is caused by plaque which if not removed properly can lead to red, swollen gums which bleed easily. At this stage a professional cleaning along with proper daily brushing and flossing can reverse this process.

If left untreated the bacterial infection progresses causing the gums to pull away from the tooth structure and form a pocket which harbors bacteria. This can cause the teeth to become loose and possibly even fall out or require extraction.

There are various methods of treatment that your dental professional may use to restore your gums to a healthy state.

Scaling and Root Planing: This is a thorough professional cleaning which includes deep scaling to remove plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gumline. The roots of the teeth may also be planed to smooth them and remove deposits which will allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth structure. An anti-microbial rinse may be prescribed to help control the growth of bacteria and encourage healing.

Pocket Depth Reduction (gum surgery): The pocket which is between the tooth and gum is measured and, if too deep to clean with daily home care, the diseased tissue will be surgically removed and the pocket cleansed of bacterial infection.

Regenerative Procedures: A regenerative procedure including bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins may be used to stimulate the regeneration of bone and supporting tissues.

Soft Tissue Grafts: Due to gum recession your teeth may appear longer than normal because more of the root of the tooth is exposed. Gum recession may be due to aggressive brushing or gum disease. Once the recession is under control a soft tissue graft can cover the exposed roots. Tissue may be taken from a source in the mouth to even your gum-line which reduces sensitivity and improves the look of your smile which restores confidence.