Some several procedures and treatments fall under the category of periodontics. Depending on the severity of the disease, these procedures vary from root planing and scaling to fairly complex surgeries, tray delivery systems, and many more. It is advisable to consult a periodontist when you feel an unexplainable discomfort in your mouth, which helps prevent slight complications from becoming significant dental issues. Some of the procedures that the periodontist performs include:
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Some periodontal procedures don’t require surgery, especially if the disease is discovered early during its initial stages. These non-surgical solutions involve root planing, scaling, and deep cleaning, geared towards alleviating tartar and plaque from periodontal pockets. This also helps in smoothening the root of the tooth to remove all the toxins.
Scaling and Root Planing
This process involves precise cleaning to eliminate traces of tartar and plaque from the root surface of the tooth. Root planing and scaling are vital and effective in getting rid of bacterial toxins, and it is usually followed by adjunctive therapy like host modulation and antibiotics. However, rarely will patients require additional treatment after root planing or scaling.
Dental Implants
Before the placement of dental implants, the periodontist or dentist needs to ensure sufficient support for the artificial tooth root. This is because the root of the artificial tooth is placed where the jaw connects with the jawbone. Once the patient has recovered, the artificial tooth can now be attached.
Regeneration
Regeneration involves the folding back of gum tissue to get rid of bacteria. This fairly complex procedure uses everything from bone grafts, proteins, and membranes to induce bone growth. It is often performed on a patient who lacks sufficient bone mass and needs dental implants.
Soft Tissue Grafting
This periodontic procedure requires gum tissue to be obtained elsewhere for treatment of the affected part. The tissue can be acquired from the palate or another viable source that covers the exposed root. Soft tissue grafting can be done to minimize sensitivity and even the gum lining.
