Non surgical and surgical management of periodontitis

Taking Control of Gum Disease: Your Treatment Options

Periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is a serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. But the good news is, it is treatable. Our goal is to halt the disease, preserve your natural teeth, and return your gums to health. We tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs, starting with the most conservative approaches.

The First Step: Non-Surgical Management

For many patients, non-surgical treatment is highly effective in controlling periodontitis. These procedures are the foundation of gum disease therapy and are often the first step.

• Scaling and Root Planing (A "Deep Clean"): This is not your regular dental cleaning. We carefully remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from above and below the gumline (scaling). Then, we smooth the tooth's root surfaces (planing). This process helps eliminate the bacteria causing the infection and allows your gums to reattach firmly to the teeth.

• Antimicrobial Therapy: Sometimes, we may recommend additional treatments to control bacteria. This can include antibiotic gels or mouth rinses placed directly into the gum pockets after scaling and root planing.

The goal of non-surgical therapy is to reduce inflammation, shrink gum pockets, and get the disease under control. After you heal, we will re-evaluate your gums to see if further treatment is necessary.

When More is Needed: Surgical Procedures

If deep gum pockets and inflammation remain after non-surgical treatment, surgery may be recommended to restore your oral health.

• Pocket Reduction Surgery (Flap Surgery): We gently lift the gum tissue to expose the tooth roots for a more thorough cleaning. The diseased tissue is removed, and the bone may be contoured to eliminate spaces where bacteria can hide. The gum is then secured back into place, making it easier for you to keep clean.

• Bone and Tissue Grafts: Periodontitis can destroy the bone and gum tissue around your teeth. We can use grafting procedures to regenerate lost bone, cover exposed tooth roots with gum grafts, or build up thin gum tissue.

Your Health is Our Priority

Whether your treatment is non-surgical or surgical, our focus is on creating a healthy environment for your teeth to last a lifetime. We work closely with your general dentist to provide comprehensive care and help you maintain your results with an effective daily routine and regular professional cleanings.

Don't let gum disease progress. If you have bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, contact us for a consultation. Together, we can develop a strategy to protect your smile.