Gum disease is a serious oral condition that if untreated can lead to tooth loss and systemic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and preterm births. Fortunately, gum disease treatment options have become more advanced and accessible than ever!
Dental prophylaxis can remove bacteria, plaque and tartar (calculus) from above and below the gum line, reducing infection and improving esthetics. More advanced treatments include osseous surgery to close deep gum pockets, and laser periodontal therapy Vista CA to reduce bleeding, swelling and recovery time.
Scaling and Root Planing
Gum disease is a serious oral condition that can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, and systemic issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Gum disease treatment can reduce the risk of these conditions and help patients live a happier, healthier life.
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical gum disease treatment that removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from deep pockets around the teeth. It also smooths the tooth’s root to prevent bacteria, biofilm, and calculus from accumulating.
To perform scaling and root planning, your dentist uses a local anesthesia to numb your gums and tooth roots. You may experience some discomfort while chewing or speaking until the anesthesia wears off. Acetaminophen or a non-aspirin analgesic can help reduce discomfort until the gums return to feeling normal. Afterward, you should follow a diet of softer foods until the gums feel better. You should also use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria and promote normal healing.
Gum Grafts
Gum Graft surgery is a cosmetic and corrective treatment for patients with receding gums. The surgeries restore alignment to the gum line and cover exposed tooth roots for improved oral health. Exposed teeth are more susceptible to sensitivity and tooth decay because they don’t have the protective enamel that covers the outer layer of the tooth.
Receding gums are caused by periodontal disease and other factors that cause the gum tissues to pull away from the teeth. This exposes the underlying tooth structure and can lead to a number of issues including sensitivity, tooth loss, and bad breath.
A gum graft is a procedure that covers the exposed tooth root, thickening the thin gum tissue. The surgeon takes gum tissue from the roof of the mouth and stitches it to the gum area that needs improvement. The procedure is performed while the patient is numb, so they don’t feel anything during the surgery. The surgical site might be sore for a few days, but the periodontist will prescribe medications and give patients instructions to help them recover.
Laser Therapy
One of the most recent advances in dental technology is a laser treatment that eliminates the need for oral surgery during periodontal therapy Vista CA. A wavelength-optimized laser energy kills bacteria without damaging healthy tissue, eliminating the need for scalpels or sutures in many cases.
Laser treatment is also a great option for patients with anxiety about traditional dental work, as it reduces or eliminates bleeding, swelling, and the drill sound and sensation. A laser-based gum disease treatment called LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is minimally invasive, and allows for faster recovery than other treatments.
A soft-tissue laser can manipulate tissues that are less dense than teeth, and it cauterizes as it works, which reduces procedural pain and swelling. It is used to treat periodontitis, perform biopsies, expose partially erupted teeth, recontouring or reshaping the gum line, and accelerate the whitening process for brighter smiles. It can even be used to seal wounds and reduce infection.
