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://corderoperiodontics.com or call Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA at (561) 763-9221 for an appointment in our Palm Beach Gardens office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Periodontics in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
A periodontist will examine your complete medical and dental history on your first visit to the office. This is to check if you react to specific medications and have any pre-existing disorders impeding your dental care. Your periodontist will then perform a comprehensive gum examination to look for signs or symptoms of illness.In certain situations,…
Part of having good oral health is avoiding periodontal disease and maintaining healthy gums. Unfortunately, gum disease is a common issue that people have, though it is preventable. You can take everyday steps to avoid problems with your gums. If you neglect these needs, you can experience severe consequences. You should understand periodontal disease and…
Periodontics and dental implants are two areas of dentistry that often go hand in hand. Both of these treatments are important for helping to preserve the health and beauty of your smile. While periodontics is focused on treating diseases of the gums and bone, dental implants are focused on replacing lost teeth with artificial ones.…
Periodontal disease is the result of bone and gum infections. It weakens the support of your teeth. The early stage is called gingivitis. Its more serious stage is periodontitis. Bacteria, plaque, and tartar are the main agents of this disease. If you want to know more about these causative agents of periodontal disease, here are…
Dental implants are an option for people who need to replace one or more missing teeth. The process involves several steps during which a metal post is surgically mounted into the jaw. The replacement tooth or crown is then secured to the implant, holding the new tooth firmly in place.Missing teeth can have an adverse…
For many people, dental implants can be a permanent solution for dealing with lost or damaged teeth. This type of treatment is designed to last a lifetime. Once it is complete and healed, patients can enjoy a more beautiful smile without having to worry about any dietary changes, difficult home care, or unnatural-looking teeth.Dental implants…