Periodontal Treatments: Healthy Gums Means Healthy Teeth

by | Jul 14, 2021 | Restorative Dentistry

Periodontal treatments can save your smile

Do you need periodontal treatment?

As we get older, we become more susceptible to gum disease and all of the associated risks. And though periodontitis is common, it is preventable with the right oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. However, if you do develop periodontitis, it is treatable, and periodontal treatments can leave you with healthy gums, which means healthy teeth.

What is periodontitis?

If you are suffering from periodontitis, you must know you are not alone. In the United States, it is estimated that nearly half of all adults have some periodontal disease. This oral illness is the chief instigator for adult tooth loss, bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums. When periodontitis is diagnosed in its early stages, the periodontal treatments are much more straightforward, far less invasive, and quite effective.

Not sure if you have periodontal disease? Be on the lookout for these symptoms, which could indicate you have a severe form of gum disease that require periodontal treatments. Proper periodontal treatments can help solve any problems you experience with bad teeth, receding gums, bleeding gums, and more.

What are periodontal treatments?

If you are searching online for a dentist near me, it could be because you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms and require periodontal treatment. And if you are located in the Griffin or Hampton, GA, areas, Allred Family Dentistry might be the dentist office you have been searching for. Your visit to the Allred Family dentist will include a complete evaluation of your gums and supportive tissues. Further, you will have ongoing access to advanced periodontal therapy to heal and restore your oral health. But what exactly is included in periodontal treatment?

In general, periodontal treatment will include one or more of the following components:

  • Non-surgical treatments: Any periodontal treatment plan will include regular checkups as well as good oral hygiene. In the least, you should brush your teeth twice daily (especially after meals), floss once per day, and rinse daily with a fluoridated mouthwash.
  • Scaling and root planing: This periodontal treatment has two critical components. The scaling process consists of removing all of the plaque and tartar that has built up above and below the gumline. Root planing is then conducted to smooth out the teeth roots so your gums can reattach to your teeth. Under most circumstances, the scaling and root planing process will require multiple trips and require a local anesthetic.
  • Gum graft (gingival grafts) surgery: A gingival graft can correct receding gums. This simple surgical procedure involves removing a piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth or nearby gum tissue. This piece of tissue is then attached wherever your gums have worn away.
  • Laser treatment: This procedure is intended to preserve, regenerate, and build bones. Your dentist at Allred Family Dentistry will use a laser to access an infected pocket to eradicate the infected tissue and bacteria. Once the infected tissue is removed, the root becomes exposed, and the calculus is removed. An ultrasonic root cleaner is used instead of scraping with hand tools. Laser energy is then used to warm the stem cell that contains blood in the pocket, creating a seal of tissues against the tooth root.
  • Regenerative procedures: During a regenerative periodontal treatment, an endodontist or trained dentist will fold back the gum tissue and remove the disease-causing bacteria from your mouth. Bone grafts, membranes (filters), or tissue-stimulating proteins are often used to help encourage your body to regenerate bone and tissue.
  • Dental crown lengthening: This procedure is often recommended to ensure a particular restorative or cosmetic dental procedure to remove a gummy smile can occur. During this procedure, excess bone tissue and gum tissue is reshaped to expose more of your natural tooth. This procedure works well for one tooth, your entire gumline, or multiple teeth.
  • Dental implant placement: Dental implants are an excellent alternative to traditional dentures. Sometimes referred to as implant-supported dentures, dental implants don’t shift in your mouth and are designed to look just like your nearby natural teeth.
  • Pocket depth reduction: Reducing the depth of the pockets in your mouth and eliminating existing bacteria are critical to prevent damage caused by periodontal disease. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be enough to prevent a recurrence of periodontal disease. Deeper pockets are challenging for you and your dental team to clean, so you need to reduce them through a pocket depth reduction procedure.
  • Plastic surgery procedures: There are three primary cosmetic procedures for periodontal treatment: cosmetic crown lengthening, cosmetic ridge augmentation, and connective tissue grafting. Each of these methods addresses different periodontal conditions, yet they all have the intention of helping the patient feel better about their smile and appearance.
  • Frenectomies and orthodontic tooth exposure: This is an oral procedure that alters the frenum in the mouth with a laser. The frenum is the attachment between two soft tissues in your mouth, including your cheeks, lips, and gums.

Allred Family Dentistry provides comprehensive treatment to aid your periodontitis.

If you are suffering from periodontitis and are searching for an “endodontist near me,” look no further. The dental team at Allred Family Dentistry can provide comprehensive periodontal treatment. It can get you back on your way to a happier and healthier smile that will boost your self-confidence. All you need to do is request an appointment using our online form. We’ll be in touch with you soon to schedule a time so we can assess your periodontitis and determine the best course of action.

We look forward to working with you.