It is not a given that we must lose teeth as we age. If we maintain good oral hygiene and have regular professional cleanings and oral examinations, chances are we can keep our natural teeth for life.
That involves not only caring for the teeth themselves, but also the structures that surround them: the gums and tooth-supporting bone. Gum disease, which is a bacterial infection, threatens these supporting tissues.
That is why dental professionals are always on the lookout for early signs that patients may not notice.
When signs of trouble become apparent, periodontal therapy may be suggested.
Periodontal therapy can take various forms, but the goal is always to restore diseased tissues to health. Gum (periodontal) disease can spread from the gums to the bone that supports the teeth, and may even cause tooth loss in the most severe cases.
There are very effective therapies to combat this, ranging from scaling’s (deep cleanings) that remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from beneath the gum line, to surgical repair of lost gum and bone tissue.
Periodontal Therapy Procedures
Periodontal therapy includes both surgical and non-surgical techniques to restore health to the tissues that support the teeth (gums and bone) and prevent tooth loss. They include:
- Scaling and Root Planing. These deep-cleaning techniques are the best starting point to control gum disease. Plaque and calculus (tartar) are removed from beneath the gum tissues, using hand scalers and/or ultrasonic instruments.
- Gum Grafting. Sometimes it’s necessary to replace areas of lost gum tissue so that tooth roots are adequately protected. This can be accomplished by taking healthy gum tissue from one area of the mouth and moving it to where it is needed, or by using laboratory-processed donor tissue.
- Periodontal Plastic Surgery. When used to describe surgery, the word “plastic” refers to any reshaping procedure that creates a more pleasing appearance of the gum tissues.
- Periodontal Laser Treatment. Removing diseased gum tissue with lasers can offer significant advantages over conventional surgery, such as less discomfort and gum shrinkage.
- Crown Lengthening Surgery. This is a surgical procedure in which tooth structure that is covered by gum and bone tissue may need to be exposed either for cosmetic reasons (too make the teeth look longer and the smile less gummy) or to aid in securing a new dental crown.
- Dental Implants. Today’s preferred method of tooth replacement is a titanium dental implant, which is placed beneath the gum line and into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. The implant is then attached to a realistic-looking dental crown that is visible above the gum line and indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
Your Role in Periodontal Health
Dental plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, so it’s essential to remove it every day with effective brushing and flossing. This doesn’t mean scrubbing, which can actually cause your gums to recede. Proper techniques can be demonstrated for you, if you have any questions.
Of course, there are some areas of the mouth that a toothbrush and floss just can’t reach, which is why it’s so important to have regular professional cleanings at the dental office. Your regular dental exam is also a time when early signs of gum disease can be detected — before they become apparent even to you.
Eating a nutritious diet low in sugar, and staying away from tobacco in all forms, will also increase your periodontal health — and your chances of keeping your teeth for life.
At Inspire Dental, we believe that losing teeth as we age is not inevitable. With proper oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings and examinations, many individuals can preserve their natural teeth for life. It’s crucial to not only care for the teeth themselves but also for the supporting structures, including the gums and bone. Gum disease, a bacterial infection, poses a significant threat to these critical tissues. This is why our dedicated dental professionals consistently monitor for early signs of gum disease, which often go unnoticed by patients. If you are experiencing any symptoms, we may recommend personalized periodontal therapy to restore your oral health.
Periodontal therapy encompasses a variety of treatments specifically designed to combat gum disease and promote periodontal health. Our goal is always to restore and maintain the vitality of your gums and jawbone, minimizing the risk of tooth loss. Advanced techniques are available, ranging from non-invasive solutions to surgical interventions, addressing both mild and severe cases of gum disease effectively.
One of the primary methods for treating gum disease is scaling and root planing, which are deep-cleaning techniques that serve as the foundation for periodontal therapy. During this treatment, we meticulously remove plaque and calculus (tartar) accumulated beneath the gum line using hand scalers and ultrasonic instruments. This process not only provides immediate relief for inflamed gums but also paves the way for improved overall oral hygiene and long-term periodontal health.
For patients experiencing significant gum recession or loss of gum tissue, we may recommend gum grafting. This procedure aims to restore and protect exposed tooth roots by replacing lost gum tissue. We can utilize healthy tissue from another area of your mouth or implement laboratory-processed donor tissue. Gum grafting not only enhances the aesthetic appearance of your smile but also fortifies the foundations of your teeth, helping to prevent further complications linked to gum disease.
In addition to scaling and root planing and gum grafting, we offer periodontal plastic surgery. This surgical technique focuses on reshaping gum tissue to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile while also treating any underlying health issues. With our skilled team and advanced technology, we ensure the highest standards of care, addressing both your health and appearance.
For those seeking a state-of-the-art solution, our periodontal laser therapy is an innovative treatment designed to remove diseased gum tissue while promoting healing. This minimally invasive procedure harnesses the power of laser technology to effectively target and destroy harmful bacteria without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. Many patients appreciate this modern approach due to its reduced recovery time and increased comfort levels during treatment.
At Inspire Dental, we prioritize a stronger, healthier smile for our patients through an array of gum disease treatments and preventive measures. Understanding the importance of comprehensive care, we also offer insights into oral hygiene education, equipping you with the tools and knowledge necessary to maintain your periodontal health at home. Our commitment extends to all patients, especially those with special needs, ensuring that everyone receives compassionate and personalized care tailored to their circumstances.
When it comes to preserving our patients' smiles, our emergency dental care services stand out. We understand that dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, which is why our practice is here to provide prompt solutions. Timely intervention can prevent serious complications, allowing us to address issues such as severe pain or trauma effectively. The kind of proactive care we offer can significantly improve patient outcomes, ultimately working towards restoring your oral health.
Looking forward, we also provide insightful consultation for dental implants, an essential solution for those facing tooth loss. Our experienced team can guide you through the various options available, helping you understand the benefits, process, and long-term results associated with dental implants. Combining restorative and cosmetic dentistry, we aim to restore both functionality and aesthetics to your smile.
Inspire Dental is committed to being your go-to resource for dental care, emphasizing patient-centered services that take your individual needs and concerns into account. Our compassionate dental practice not only focuses on treating current issues but also emphasizes preventive care to hinder future complications, ensuring your long-term oral health. From our financing dental treatment options that make care more accessible to our dedication to community engagement and education, we strive to empower our patients.
For those interested in cosmetic dental procedures, our offerings extend to a comprehensive variety of options that can enhance your smile while increasing your confidence. Whether it's through improving alignment, enhancing color, or restoring lost teeth, our cosmetic dentistry services are designed to cater to your unique preferences.
In summary, at Inspire Dental, we address gum disease with a wide array of effective treatments, including scaling and root planing, gum grafting, periodontal plastic surgery, and laser therapy. Our holistic approach ensures that we not only treat the disease itself but also focus on enhancing your overall well-being. By integrating compassionate care, innovative technology, and patient-centered practices, we are dedicated to fostering a lifetime of optimal oral health for all our patients. Join us in the journey towards healthier gums and a brighter smile today!