The health of your mouth depends upon the structures that support your teeth – your gums, jawbone, and ligaments. When these structures are under attack by disease, the results are severe damage that can lead to bone loss and even tooth loss.
Your periodontist is highly trained in all areas surrounding these structures, and can help give you back your oral health and prevent serious problems from occurring.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning of your teeth when gum disease has become severe. Scaling removes tartar (hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing), plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth both above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surface, removing bacteria, plaque, and toxins, preventing new bacteria from sticking and allowing your teeth and gums to heal.
Periodontal Maintenance
Sometimes, one scaling and root planing treatment is not enough to let your gums begin to heal. If this is the case, your periodontist will suggest periodontal maintenance, periodic scheduled appointments during which your teeth are cleaned and examined for progress.
Soft Tissue and Bone Grafts
Soft tissue grafts become necessary when gum disease has led to severe gum recession. These grafts take tissue from the roof of your mouth, or from your surrounding gums if there is sufficient tissue, and places it over the areas of recession, stitching it in place. The result, upon healing, is a normal, healthy gum line.
Bone grafts are often done to replace missing bone mass in your jawbone, when tooth loss has led to deterioration. It restores strength to the jawbone and allows for dental implants to be successfully placed.
Dental Implants
Implants are titanium rods that are surgically placed to fuse with your jawbone. The rods are meant to act as tooth roots and support any number of false teeth, from one to a whole bridge. The number of implants placed is determined by your periodontist.
If periodontal disease has plagued your mouth, a periodontist can help. For more information on periodontal services and how they can benefit you, contact our office today.
