Periodontal Therapy: Restoring Health to Gums and Bone
It is not a given that we must lose teeth as we age. By maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular professional cleanings and examinations, we can keep our natural teeth for life. This involves caring not only for the teeth but also the supporting structures: the gums and tooth-supporting bone. Gum disease, a bacterial infection, threatens these supporting tissues, which is why dental professionals are always on the lookout for early signs. When trouble is apparent, periodontal therapy may be suggested.
Periodontal therapy can take various forms, but the goal is always to restore diseased tissues to health and prevent tooth loss. Therapies range from deep cleanings (scalings) to surgical repair of lost gum and bone tissue.
Periodontal Therapy Procedures
Periodontal therapy includes both surgical and non-surgical techniques to restore health and prevent tooth loss:
- Scaling and Root Planing: These deep-cleaning techniques are the best starting point to control gum disease. Plaque and calculus (tartar) are removed from beneath the gum tissues using hand scalers and/or ultrasonic instruments.
- Gum Grafting: Used to replace lost gum tissue to protect tooth roots. This can be accomplished using healthy gum tissue from another area of the mouth or laboratory-processed donor tissue.
- Periodontal Plastic Surgery: Reshaping procedures used to create a more pleasing, aesthetically appealing appearance of the gum tissues.
- Periodontal Laser Treatment: Removing diseased gum tissue with lasers, often offering advantages over conventional surgery like less discomfort and gum shrinkage.
- Crown Lengthening Surgery: A surgical procedure to expose tooth structure covered by gum and bone tissue, done either for cosmetic reasons (to reduce a “gummy” smile) or to secure a new dental crown.
- Dental Implants: Today’s preferred method of tooth replacement, involving a minor surgical procedure to place a titanium implant into the jawbone, which is later fitted with a realistic dental crown.
Your Role in Periodontal Health
Dental plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, so your daily actions are essential:
- Daily Removal: Remove plaque every day with effective brushing and flossing. (Note: Avoid scrubbing, which can cause gums to recede.)
- Professional Cleanings: Regular professional cleanings are vital because the instruments and techniques used can reach areas that a toothbrush and floss cannot.
- Regular Exams: Your dental exam is when early signs of gum disease can be detected before they become apparent to you.
- Lifestyle: Eating a nutritious diet low in sugar and staying away from tobacco in all forms will also increase your periodontal health and your chances of keeping your teeth for life.