Gum Disease Treatment OwassoWhat Is Periodontal Disease/Gum Disease? Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a progressive oral health issue that can affect your entire mouth, as well as your whole-body health. It first begins with a buildup of plaque and bacteria, both of which irritate your gum tissues. This irritation leads to inflammation, which eventually causes the gums to start pulling away from your teeth. The pockets that form, then trap harmful bacteria below the gum line, where they continue to attack the gums along with the periodontal ligaments and your jawbone. Over time, these supporting structures deteriorate, and the stability of your teeth becomes compromised. Ultimately, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Bacteria may even enter the bloodstream, where it can travel throughout your body causing harm. At Jillian Prather Family Dentistry we can restore the health of your mouth with gum disease treatment.ProphylaxisProphylaxis is regular cleaning of your teeth. This cleaning involves scraping every visible surface of your teeth to eliminate plaque, bacteria, tartar, and other debris. We also clean along and just below the gum line. One or two prophylaxis cleanings are often recommended in the early stages of gum disease, a stage referred to as gingivitis.Scaling and Root PlaningScaling and root planing is a deep cleaning of your teeth. With this type of cleaning, all surfaces of your teeth, those above and below the gum line, are completely cleaned. Scaling is the cleaning of the visible surfaces of your teeth, with special attention paid to the gum line. Root planing involves cleaning the roots of your teeth, smoothing them to prevent new bacterial accumulation. An antibacterial wash is often administered as well to help eliminate any potential lingering bacteria from causing further harm.Pocket Reduction SurgeryPocket reduction surgery is often recommended if the pockets are too deep to effectively clean with scaling and root planing. This procedure requires that your gums be opened to expose the roots of your teeth so that they can be thoroughly cleaned. The gums are then sutured closed against the teeth so the tissue can begin healing and reattaching to the teeth, reducing the depths of the pockets. Pocket reduction is often recommended when there is no damage to the bone around the teeth.Osseous SurgeryOsseous surgery is recommended when the bone around the teeth is damaged. As the bacteria cause deterioration of your bone mass, causing bony defects, hiding places are created. With osseous surgery, we open the gums to expose the roots of the teeth and the bone. Not only do we clean the teeth, but we smooth the bone, eliminating potential hiding places. Once the procedure is complete, the gums are sutured closed, and they can begin healing and reattaching to the bone as well as your teeth.Gum GraftingGum grafting is a surgical procedure that is performed to restore a healthy, natural gum line following gum recession. The procedure involves harvesting tissue from the roof of your mouth, either from below a small flap or directly from the palate, and suturing it over the affected teeth. In some cases, your surrounding gum tissue may be used to restore a healthy gum line, or we may use donor tissue. As you heal, your gums and the new tissue fuse together and reform a tight, protective seal around your teeth.Bone GraftingA bone graft is a surgical procedure that involves taking bone material from one source and transplanting it into the weak areas of your jaw. The bone may be harvested from your own body or taken from a donor at a tissue bank. The procedure is done to restore the strength and shape to your jaw and is often done before the placement of Dental Implants if the jaw cannot successfully support them on its own.If you have developed gum disease, getting Periodontal Therapy right away is essential. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the less damage will be done, and less invasive the necessary treatments will be. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Jillian Prather Family Dentistry at (918) 401-9933 today. |
