Periodontal Therapy in Roanoke, VA
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 scalings (deep cleanings) that remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from beneath the gum line to surgical repair of lost gum and bone tissue. The hygienists at Mill Mountain Dentistry complete the majority of the non-surgical periodontal therapy. For complex cases that require surgery, Dr. Sidrys will refer patients to local periodontal specialists.
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.
- Gum Grafting.
- Periodontal Plastic Surgery.
- Periodontal Laser Treatment.
- Crown Lengthening Surgery.
Periodontal topics
Gum Disease
Some important things to look for:
- Bleeding gums.
- Bad breath.
- Redness or swelling of the gums.
- Receding gums.
- Sensitivity.
- Periodontal abscess.
- Loose teeth.
All periodontal therapy starts with the evaluation of your oral hygiene techniques and instruction for improving them, followed by the mechanical removal of plaque and any calcified deposits (tartar or calculus) that are present on the root surfaces.
Ultrasonic Cleanings
In ultrasonic scaling, only the tip of the tool touches the tooth surface, and only for a short time.
It's also possible to remove deposits of plaque and tartar from under the gum line by using an extremely small tip on an ultrasonic unit, which can cause less discomfort and result in a deeper and better cleaning. Sometimes an ultrasonic scaler is used first, and then any stubborn areas are scaled by hand.
Flap Surgery
One major objective of flap surgery is to eliminate or reduce the pocket itself. To access it, a flap-like incision is made in the gum tissue. This allows diseased tissue to be removed from inside the pocket and provides access to the teeth’s root surfaces for a thorough cleaning, which helps to eliminate harmful plaque and calculus (tartar).
Afterward, the “flap” is closed, sealing the area. This begins the healing process, which takes place rapidly.
Oral systematic connection
Maintaining good oral health has many rewards: A sparkling smile, fresh breath, and healthy gums. But recent scientific evidence suggests that it may have an even greater benefit to your overall health: Specifically, it could potentially reduce your risk for a number of systemic (whole-body) diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis — even premature birth.
Non-Surgical Periodontal treatments
When treating gum disease, it is often best to begin with a non-surgical approach consisting of one or more of the following:
- Scaling and Root Planing.
- Antibiotics/Antimicrobials.
- Bite Adjustment.
- Oral Hygiene.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting involves carefully placing a small amount of new tissue in an area where little or no gum tissue currently exists — typically recommended to prevent further gum recession or to cover root surfaces of your teeth that have become exposed.
The tissue used in this procedure may come from a variety of sources but usually is taken from the palate (roof of the mouth) after the area has been numbed for your comfort.
Loose Teeth & Bite Problems
To control gum disease, a dental professional must thoroughly clean the teeth of plaque and harder deposits (tartar or calculus) in which bacteria thrive; this includes the tooth-root surfaces beneath the gum line.
The mechanical approach involves modifying the forces that are applied to the teeth. This can be achieved in a number of ways. Replacing broken fillings and restoring worn teeth is also sometimes needed to create a more balanced bite, even when teeth are not loose.