On What Methods Periodontal Treatment Depend Upon?

Periodontal disease is a more advanced form of gingivitis, that has developed on your teeth and gums. There are several methods today that are available to treat bacterial infections and periodontal diseases. The choices available range from a deep cleaning of your gums and tooth surfaces to more advanced surgeries. Your dentist will discuss with you the treatments for periodontal disease that may be used, to restore your smile.

Treatments for Periodontal Disease, Non Surgical

Treatments for periodontal disease include deep cleaning of your tooth surfaces and gums, including the following:

• Non surgical methods are available to treat, the bacterial infection that has developed on your gum surfaces. There are several treatments for periodontal disease that may be used.
• Two forms of gum disease can develop. One is a gingivitis, or a bacterial infection that has developed in your gums. Gingivitis looks swollen, and your gums may bleed easily, when you brush your teeth. This type of dental problem can occur because of dental hygiene, medication that is taken or a stage of life hormonal change. Some patients experience gingivitis during pregnancy, puberty or menopause, for example.
• Another form of gun disease is periodontitis, which is a more advanced form of disease. Plaque from your teeth gets below your gum lines and irritates your gums. If left untreated, tooth loss can occur.
• Treatments for periodontal disease include root planing, and this treatment is a non surgical therapy. Your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned, and any plaque or tarter build up is removed, from the roots of your teeth or from your periodontal pockets.
• The roots of your teeth are smoothed, during this type of cleaning to help remove all bacteria. An anti microbial is prescribed, to help kill all bacteria.

Treatments for Periodontal Disease, Surgical

Surgeries are available that can help to restore your smile, including the following:

• A pocket reduction procedure is used that lifts your gum tissue, in order to access the periodontal pocket that houses your tooth. Bacteria is cleaned away, and all rough or damaged bone materials are smoothed over.
• A regenerative surgical process is used, and this procedure is similar to a pocket reduction. Your gum tissue is folded back, in order to remove all bacteria. Tissue stimulating proteins or bone grafts are implanted, in order to help promote regeneration of new and healthy bone.
• Crown lengthening is another process available, that reshapes or pushes back your gums in order to reduce your gum line. More teeth are exposed in a smaller area for bacteria growth.
• Soft tissue grafts are used during dental surgery. The new grafts cover your teeth roots with tissue from your palate or from another section of your body. This type of procedure places a new tissue graft in an area of your gum, that has been damaged by disease or excessive bacteria.

Other Therapies

Additional therapies are available that help to treat gingivitis or periodontitis disorders. A periodontal protective tray can be used, that is filled with a treatment medication for periodontal diseases. The trays are custom fit and are kept in place for a period of time, as a treatment plan. There are several laser treatments available on the market today, including the following:

• Dental lasers are designed for use during oral surgeries. A dental laser for soft tissue layers was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the early 1990's.
• A dental laser device for hard tissue, like teeth or bones, was approved in 1996.
• Your dentist can elect to complete your root canal, by using a dental laser device. Most patients who undergo laser therapies indicate that the processes are not as painful as traditional surgery procedures.
• Dental abscesses and caries can be filled, using a laser dental device.
• Laser gum processes may be completed using laser procedures, that are designed for gingivitis and gum inflammations.
• Advanced surgeries are using lasers for crown lengthening or soft tissue grafts, also. Laser instruments tend to not be as invasive as traditional surgery devices, and help to provide a complete surgery that is less painful. The time it takes, to heal from a surgery conducted with a dental laser, is less, also. A less invasive process helps to keep surgery recovery to a minimal amount of time. Less recovery time is welcomed, for those patients who work or who are raising small children.