Good oral care extends to more than just your teeth. Periodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. At Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry in Champions Gate, FL, we provide superlative periodontal care.
A periodontist is a specialized dental professional who has undergone extra training to become an expert in the field of periodontics, focusing on providing comprehensive care for the health of your gums and the surrounding tissues. The knowledge and skills of periodontics can make a difference in preventing and treating gum diseases, preserving the stability of your teeth, and enhancing your overall oral health.
What Does a Periodontist Treat?
Regular dental care is essential for maintaining a beautiful smile and overall well-being. However, sometimes we may encounter conditions that require special attention and treatment. Understanding these common periodontal conditions is the first step towards addressing them effectively and regaining optimal oral health.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and is recognized by inflammation and swelling of the gums. It is usually caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can lead to bacterial infections. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment and good oral hygiene practices.
Our periodontists can help diagnose and treat gingivitis by providing professional cleanings and recommending appropriate oral care routines. With our guidance and support, you can effectively manage gingivitis and prevent its progression to more severe gum diseases.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease marked by the inflammation and infection of the gums, and the deterioration of the bone and tissues that support the teeth. Without timely interventions, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and other oral health complications.
Fortunately, we can help you develop a personalized treatment plan that may include deep cleaning techniques to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. In more severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair damaged tissues and restore the health of your gums. By working closely with our periodontics, you can effectively manage periodontitis and protect the long-term health of your smile.
Receding Gums
Gum recession is noted for the gradual withdrawal of the gum tissue around the teeth, resulting in the exposure of the tooth roots. This condition can lead to tooth sensitivity, an increased risk of dental decay, and an unappealing look to your smile.
By evaluating the extent of the gum recession, we can recommend the appropriate treatment options including gum grafting, where healthy gum tissue is taken from another part of the mouth and placed over the exposed roots, or other surgical techniques to restore the gumline.
Gum Abscesses
A gum abscess is a localized infection in the gums that results in the formation of a pocket of pus. It is often caused by an untreated gum infection or a foreign object trapped between the teeth and gums.
Gum abscesses can be treated by draining the pus and removing the underlying cause of the infection. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to help eliminate the infection and prevent its recurrence. By seeking prompt treatment for your abscess, you can alleviate your discomfort and prevent the infection from spreading.
Periodontal Pockets
Periodontal pockets are deep spaces that form between the teeth and gums as a result of gum disease. These pockets can harbor bacteria and become difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing. If left untreated, periodontal pockets can lead to further damage to the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Deep cleaning techniques or surgical intervention may be needed to remove the bacteria and promote healing. With the help of our periodontal expertise, you can effectively manage periodontal pockets and maintain the health of your gums and teeth.
Treatments in Periodontics
By addressing common periodontal conditions quickly, you can effectively manage and treat gum diseases, preserve the stability of your teeth, and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. The treatments used by our periodontists are different than those for routine dental care and may include the following.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are the first line of defense against gum disease. During these cleanings, we will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria that contribute to gum inflammation. We can also provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques to help you maintain optimal oral hygiene at home. Regular dental cleanings are recommended to prevent gingivitis and maintain the health of your gums.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a common treatment in periodontics and is aimed at removing plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. This non-surgical procedure may require local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Scaling involves carefully scraping of the plaque and tartar, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to discourage bacterial growth. It may be performed in one or multiple sessions. This deep cleaning procedure helps to eliminate infection-causing bacteria and promotes gum healing.
Gum Grafting
Soft tissue grafting is a common treatment option for gum recession, aiming to restore the lost gum tissue and cover exposed tooth roots. During this procedure, our periodontist will take a small piece of tissue from another area of your mouth, typically the roof of the mouth, and graft it onto the receded gum area.
This grafting technique helps to increase the thickness of the gum tissue, reduce sensitivity, and enhance the overall appearance of your smile. If you require gum grafting, we will guide you through the process and provide instructions for post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery.
Bone Regeneration
When it comes to dental implants and other restorative procedures, a strong and thick jawbone is crucial for long-term success. However, in cases where periodontal disease has caused bone loss, the jawbone may become too thin to support an implant effectively. This is where natural bone regeneration, also known as bone grafting, can play a vital role in promoting growth and restoring the strength of your jawbone.
During the bone grafting procedure, we will carefully obtain bone grafting material from another part of your body or a bone bank. With your gums gently pulled back, a small opening is created in the jawbone, where the grafting material will be placed. Over time, the graft encourages natural bone regeneration, leading to a stronger and thicker jawbone capable of supporting dental implants.
Drainage and Debridement
When a gum abscess occurs, prompt treatment is necessary to alleviate pain and prevent further complications. The first step in treating a gum abscess is drainage and debridement. Our periodontal professionals will carefully drain the abscess to remove the pus and relieve the pressure.
Debridement involves cleaning the affected area and removing any debris or bacteria that may contribute to the abscess. This process helps promote healing and prevents the spread of infection.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
In cases where periodontal pockets do not respond to non-surgical treatments, pocket reduction surgery may be recommended. This surgical procedure aims to reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets and create a more accessible and cleanable environment.
During the surgery, we will gently lift the gum tissues, remove any diseased tissue, and reposition the gums to create a tighter seal around the teeth. This helps reduce the depth of the pockets and prevents further accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
Treatment of Underlying Causes
To effectively treat gum disease, it is essential to address the underlying cause. Tooth decay, dental trauma, or poor oral hygiene can all lead to serious problems. After evaluating the underlying cause, we can help recommend appropriate treatment to address the root issue. By treating the underlying cause, you can help prevent a recurrence and maintain the health of your gums and teeth.
Maintenance Therapy
After undergoing periodontal treatment, maintenance therapy becomes essential to ensure long-term oral health. This involves regular check-ups to monitor the condition of your gums, clean hard-to-reach areas, and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
We may recommend frequent professional cleanings, create personalized oral hygiene instructions, and provide ongoing support to help you maintain the health of your gums and prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease. By actively participating in maintenance therapy, you can protect the results of your treatment and preserve the health of your gums.
Enjoy a Lifetime of Smiles With Periodontal Treatment
Healthy gums support the stability and longevity of your teeth, enhance your ability to eat and speak comfortably, and contribute to your self-confidence. Don’t wait until symptoms worsen or your conditions progress! Reach out to Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry in Champions Gate, FL today to see how periodontics can help protect your smile.