Different Periodontal Treatments & Procedures Explained

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics deals with the supporting and surrounding structures of teeth. It is a specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth.

Periodontists are trained to treat gum disease, periodontal infections, and bone loss around your gums due to aging or bone resorption (bone loss). They also perform various procedures such as scaling and root planing, debridement (removing dead tissue), crown lengthening, gum grafting, and other operations related to periodontal health.

What are the Different Treatments for Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease progresses in stages, and the treatments available depend on the severity of the conditions. The Edmonton periodontist will assess your condition before recommending a periodontal treatment.

The different types of gum disease treatment include:

1) Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing remove plaque from the teeth, gums, and bones around them. An oral hygienist or periodontist usually does it.

The primary purpose of scaling and root planning is to remove tartar buildup on your teeth. Root planing, in particular, is done to reattach the gums back to the teeth’ surface.

2) Gingival Flap Surgery

Gingival flap surgery is performed to reduce the gum pockets. It is done by cutting the gum tissue and then lifting it to expose the underlying bone. The surgeon then removes any excess tissue or bone that affects the gums.

The surgeon will then attach the gum tissue on the teeth to allow for new bone growth.

3) Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a common treatment for periodontal disease and tooth pain. It can be done in the dentist’s office or the hospital with local anesthetic and a dental drill.

Our dentist in Edmonton will numb the area around and inside your mouth with a local anesthetic, making you feel no pain during the procedure.

Afterward, your dentist will put some gauze on your gums and teeth to stop any bleeding or oozing. You should avoid chewing on that side of your mouth for about two weeks after extraction to prevent any bleeding or infection from occurring there as well.

4) Bone Grafting and Guided Tissue Regeneration

Bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration are standard procedures to regenerate bone lost due to gum disease.

Bone grafting involves using bone granules from another part of your body and implanting it into the jawbone, where bone mass is lost due to gum disease.

Guided tissue regeneration involves the use of a patient’s own cells to repair or replace damaged tissue. The first step in this process is harvesting healthy cells from the body, which are then grown in the laboratory. These cells are then injected back into the patient and guided by an external device to grow new, healthy tissue.

5) Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure allowing the periodontist to move teeth further in your mouth. The goal of crown lengthening is to create a straighter appearance for your teeth, even though they may be longer than they were before.

The procedure involves removing some gum from around one or more of your existing teeth to expose more of the teeth.

Periodontal disease is a severe condition that affects the gums, teeth, and bones surrounding them. The treatments and procedures listed here are just some of the ones your periodontist may recommend.

The treatments and procedures listed can help reduce the risk of developing other gum diseases. Still, they are not a substitute for regular dental visits or professional cleanings by a certified professional in this area of medicine.

6) Smile Lift

A gummy smile is a condition where the gums are too prominent when smiling. This can be caused by different things, such as the teeth being too small or the gums being too large. An overgrowth of gum tissue or an uneven gum line can cause it.

Our periodontist in Edmonton will use laser surgery may be used to remove excess tissue and sculpt the gum line. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to reposition the teeth and jaw.

Get Periodontal Treatment Near You

Give us a call or book a consultation with us at Great Smile Family Dental for more information about getting various periodontal treatments!