Gingivitis is the beginning stage of periodontitis. This condition is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily during every day routines, such as brushing and flossing. At this point, scaling and root planing is the preferred treatment. This procedure is non-surgical and can help reverse gingivitis if it is caught early on. Scaling involves the dentist scraping away the plaque and tartar that has accumulated above and below the gumline. Root planing involves the dentist removing the rough bacteria deposits that have formed at the root of the tooth. If your gum disease has progressed past the point of gingivitis, then your gums have most likely started pulling away from your teeth. At this point, surgery may be required.
Pocket reduction surgery involves the dentist placing incisions into your gums and then lifting them back to remove the tartar. While this is very similar to a scaling and root planing, this procedure allows the expert in periodontitis treatment in Los Angeles to give you a fully deep clean. The gums are then positioned back in such a way that they snugly heal around the tooth. Sometimes pocket reduction surgery is paired with guided tissue regeneration in order to restore any lost bone or tissue. In some cases of gum disease, excessive bone and tissue has already been lost. In these cases, it may be necessary to have a bone or tissue graft performed to effectively treat your periodontitis.
If you are suffering from periodontitis, contact our Los Angeles periodontists to learn more about your treatment options.
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