Gum Disease Treatment
Hyannis, MA
Gum Disease Treatment provided by Dr. Gus Dehni
and Dr. Chris Webb
in Hyannis, MA at Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
 Periodontal disease, alternatively referred to as gum disease, is a prevalent concern in oral health, impacting millions of individuals globally. Its spectrum extends from minor gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, to more severe manifestations capable of causing tooth loss and additional complications. Fortunately, various treatment modalities are available to address gum disease effectively, encompassing non-invasive methods and surgical interventions.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Non-surgical periodontal treatment is crucial in managing gum disease, offering effective interventions to halt its progression and maintain oral health. Among these approaches, two prominent methods are scaling, root planing, and periodontal maintenance.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing represent fundamental components of non-surgical periodontal therapy. This procedure involves a meticulous and thorough cleaning of the teeth and root surfaces, targeting the removal of plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is primarily a sticky film containing bacteria that can accumulate on teeth surfaces and eventually harden into tartar if left untreated. This accumulation contributes to gum inflammation and irritation and is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Scaling and root planing aim to eliminate these deposits, effectively reducing bacterial load and promoting gum health.
During scaling, dental professionals use specialized instruments to remove plaque and also tartar from the gumline. This process is vital for eliminating bacterial colonies in the periodontal pockets, spaces between the gums and teeth that deepen as gum disease progresses. Root planing follows scaling to smooth out rough spots and irregularities on the tooth roots. By doing so, the procedure helps prevent the reattachment of bacteria and facilitates the re-establishment of a healthy gum attachment to the teeth.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is an essential follow-up to scaling and root planing, ensuring ongoing care and monitoring of gum health. Regular maintenance visits are scheduled to evaluate the condition of the gums, assess healing progress, and address any residual plaque or tartar buildup. These visits typically include thorough examinations, measurements of periodontal pockets, and professional cleanings to remove any remaining deposits. Additionally, dental professionals may provide personalized oral hygiene instructions and guidance to empower patients to maintain optimal oral health between appointments.
Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Surgical periodontal treatment encompasses a range of procedures to address advanced stages of gum disease and restore periodontal health. These include the following:
Periodontal Pocket Reduction Surgery
Periodontal pocket reduction surgery is commonly employed when deep pockets are formed between the gums and teeth due to untreated gum disease. These pockets provide ideal environments for bacterial colonization and further disease progression. The surgical process involves lifting the gums to access the infected areas, thoroughly removing bacteria and tartar deposits, and repositioning the gum tissue to reduce pocket depths. By eliminating these pockets, the surgery aims to facilitate better oral hygiene practices and promote gum tissue reattachment to the teeth, ultimately improving periodontal health.
Gingival Flap Surgery
Gingival flap surgery shares similarities with pocket reduction surgery but involves the creation of a flap in the gum tissue to provide enhanced access to the roots of the teeth. This approach allows for more thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and surrounding areas, enabling the removal of deep-seated bacteria and tartar. Additionally, gingival flap surgery may be combined with other treatments. These include bone grafts or guided tissue regeneration to support periodontal healing and tissue reattachment further.
Periodontal Regeneration Techniques
Periodontal regeneration techniques represent advanced interventions to restore the structures supporting the teeth, particularly in cases where severe gum disease has resulted in significant bone and tissue loss. These techniques are crucial for promoting the regeneration of lost periodontal tissues, including bone, cementum (the outer layer of the tooth root), and periodontal ligament, which anchor the teeth to the jawbone. By stimulating tissue re-growth, periodontal regeneration techniques help stabilize teeth, prevent further bone loss, and improve the long-term prognosis of affected teeth. Here is an overview of periodontal regeneration techniques:
Specialized Membranes
These membranes act as barriers to protect the regenerating tissue and prevent invading undesirable cells, such as epithelial cells, into the healing site. Membranes can be made from various materials, including synthetic polymers or natural substances derived from animals or plants. Depending on the patient's needs and the extent of tissue damage, different types of membranes may be selected to facilitate optimal tissue regeneration.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting procedures involve the transplantation of bone tissue from either the patient's own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), or synthetic materials (alloplast) to the site of bone loss. The graft serves as a scaffold or framework for new bone formation, promoting the regeneration of lost bone tissue. Additionally, growth factors may be incorporated into the bone graft material to enhance tissue regeneration further and accelerate healing.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is another technique commonly used in periodontal regeneration. This approach involves the placement of barriers or membranes to selectively exclude undesirable cell types, allowing specific cell populations, such as osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and periodontal ligament cells, to populate the defect site and promote tissue regeneration. By creating a conducive environment for tissue regeneration, GTR techniques facilitate the regeneration of periodontal tissues and support the re-establishment of a healthy periodontal attachment.
Ways to Avoid Gum Disease
To avoid gum disease risk, proper oral hygiene is crucial. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using antimicrobial mouth rinses. Also, attend regular dental check-ups. This helps detect gum issues early and receive personalized maintenance advice before the disease spreads. Also, adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing stress to support gum health. By following these steps, individuals can effectively manage gum disease, prevent its recurrence, and maintain optimal oral health.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Gum disease treatment encompasses a range of interventions to restore gum health, prevent tooth loss, and improve oral health. From non-surgical approaches like scaling and root planing to surgical interventions such as pocket reduction and periodontal regeneration, various options are available depending on the severity and stage of the disease.
However, successful treatment requires professional care, diligent home care, and ongoing maintenance to achieve long-term oral health goals. This is what we do best. Schedule your appointment by calling us today at 508-204-3145. Contact Center for Advanced Periodontics and Implant Dentistry now to achieve your dental goals and ensure your teeth are healthy. |
