Periodontal treatment from a periodontist is a great way to address a range of gum and jawbone concerns. They can also treat issues like missing teeth. This review discusses the various treatment options that are available for patients who consult a periodontist and highlights the signs that indicate a need to visit this specialist.
Popular treatment options from a periodontist include scaling and root planing, laser periodontal therapy, gum grafting, pocket reduction surgery, bone grafting, and dental implant placement. Each periodontist has a unique set of services that they offer. Some provide surgical treatment themselves, while others refer patients to an oral surgeon for periodontal surgery. That said, since periodontists receive additional training and are skilled in surgery, most do offer surgical treatment among their services.
Scaling and root planing, also called deep dental cleaning, is a non-surgical procedure in which the periodontist (or hygienist) cleans beneath the roots of teeth (and the teeth themselves). A regular dental cleaning procedure involves cleaning the teeth and along the gum line. However, scaling and root planing entail cleaning beneath the gum line and are more invasive. Due to these being more complex procedures, a periodontist (rather than a general dentist) is recommended for the best results.
Specifically, scaling and root planing are recommended for patients who have periodontitis, a progressive form of gum disease in which the gum pockets are four millimeters or deeper. The process has two parts: the scaling and the root planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the mouth (and along and below the gum line). Root planing entails making the tooth roots smoother to help prevent (and possibly reverse) the symptoms of periodontitis. This procedure is usually performed one quadrant at a time. It may take two visits to complete all four quadrants, though some periodontists can complete the procedure in one visit.
Laser periodontal therapy cleans gum tissue and removes inflamed and infected gum tissue through the use of dental lasers. This therapy is used for patients who have a more severe form of gum disease (e.g., periodontitis). The procedure usually ends with scaling the roots of teeth to help prevent future symptoms. Many periodontists consider laser treatment to be a safer and less-invasive option than traditional methods.
A gum graft procedure involves attaching gum tissue to an area without enough gum tissue to cover teeth adequately. It is usually recommended to treat gum recession that occurs as a result of periodontitis, though it may also be performed for other reasons (e.g., cosmetic improvements). The procedure involves the removal of tissue from the roof of the mouth (palate). In other cases, a substitute tissue is taken from a gum and tissue bank.
Pocket reduction surgery is a procedure used to remove excess plaque and bacteria that accumulate between the gums and teeth. It may be recommended if scaling and root planing are not enough to treat periodontitis that develops beneath the gum line. In particular, pocket reduction surgery involves flap surgery, which entails separating the gums and then reattaching them to the teeth after the cleaning.
A bone graft procedure may be recommended before the placement of dental implants, particularly if the patient has experienced bone loss in the jaw, which does not allow for proper placement of the implants. This involves taking bone tissue and applying it to the areas where bone loss has occurred.
Many periodontists offer dental implant placement. This is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of implants (screw-like titanium posts) into the jawbone. The implants then serve as the roots for replacement teeth.
Anyone who is dealing with gum or jawbone issues (or teeth concerns related to periodontal health) should visit a periodontist for a consultation. Many dentists will refer patients to periodontists, but they can also accept patients without a referral.
You can learn more about periodontal treatments and schedule a visit with our periodontist by calling our office today. We believe that every patient should be able to enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile, which includes optimal periodontal health. We offer a range of treatments and can personalize your treatment according to your specific needs and goals.
Request an appointment here: https://www.charlesdyeriv.com or call Charles E. Dyer IV, DDS, MS, PC at (281) 213-0900 for an appointment in our Cypress office.
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