TREATMENT
TREATING PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Most often, non-surgical therapy precedes surgical treatment for periodontal disease. Scaling, root planing and bite adjustment can improve the health of tissue, often being curative themselves. Greater tissue health improves the effectiveness of surgical therapies by reducing infection and promoting healing.
BEFORE
AFTER
Scaling and Root Planing
Thorough cleaning of root surfaces beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tarter deposits.
Localized Antibiotics, Irrigation, & Anti-Microbials
These treatments can help reduce infection and promote tissue healing, but will not reverse disease where bone loss has occurred.
Osseous Gum Surgery
When deep pockets are present between the gum and the tooth, it is very difficult to keep root surfaces clean with regular home care techniques such as brushing and flossing. Surgical procedures may be necessary to restore periodontal health in these cases.
Bite Adjustment
A healthy bite includes all or most of the teeth contributing to chewing function. As teeth wear or become loose, or when TMJ (jaw joint) damage is observed, the rest of the mouth can be negatively impacted. Bite adjustments may involve the following:
- Distributing bite pressures evenly across tooth surfaces by reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating spots of excess pressure
- Use of a custom fitted plastic bite guards can ease pressure on the teeth from excessive grinding
- Braces to align teeth
- Reconstruction of badly worn and damaged teeth
Prevention
Daily brushing and flossing removes plaque from teeth and gums and helps reduce tartar deposits.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease affects more than 80% of Americans by the age of 45. Certain factors contribute to its progression.
Diagnosis
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination.
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