Options for Treating Periodontal Disease

Because we care about our patients and the ease at which they can get care, our dental office proudly offers our patients the option of in-office periodontal treatments. Our patients prefer visiting a familiar office with a comfortable waiting room and friendly staff. Some of our patients are aware of the sorts of periodontal therapies that we excel in, but many do not know the options we offer for treating periodontal disease.

Periodontics is devoted to learning about and caring for the structures which support the teeth, especially the gums. Our dentists spend a great deal of time working with our patients who have gum disease, often known as periodontitis. This work is crucial because those with gum disease have a high probability of losing teeth and bone.

In addition to periodontitis, our dentist can help patients with other gum-related issues. These include:

• Crown Lengthening- This process reduces the amount of excess gum tissue, above or below the patient’s teeth. This procedure helps the patient’s teeth to look larger because the smile shows less gum.

• Dental Implants- Our periodontist uses a titanium screw to take the place of the root of a missing tooth in the empty socket. In time, the body accepts the screw, and it fuses to the jaw bone. Our periodontist places an abutment on top of the screw and caps it with a natural-looking crown. This procedure prevents bone loss and gives the patient a healthy-looking replacement tooth.

• Gum Grafts- When a patient’s gums recede there is a risk of root exposure, tooth infection, tooth loss, and eventually bone loss. Our dentist can prevent these issues and improve the patient’s appearance by grafting healthy gum tissue to the tissue which is receding.

• Pocket Reduction Techniques- Patients with periodontal disease have empty spaces (also called pockets) near the roots of their teeth. When gum disease destroys the tissue and bone that support the teeth, a pocket forms. Unfortunately, this pocket is a perfect place to hold bacteria. In time, the empty space will grow so large the patient cannot care for their tooth. At this point, pocket reduction surgery will decrease the pocket size and help to prevent tooth loss.

We consistently are watching for signs of gum disease. If we see any indication of periodontitis, we will refer you to our periodontist, so your dental health is restored as soon as possible.