How Do Periodontists Treat Gum Disease?

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Did you know that 46% of all American adults deal with symptoms of gum disease? If you have swollen gums that bleed whenever you brush your teeth, you’ll want to ask your periodontist about gum disease treatment in Jupiter. They’ll help you fix your oral health issue so you can preserve your smile for years to come.

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Non-Surgical Treatments

Scaling

Scaling eliminates bacteria and tartar from teeth and areas beneath the gums. The periodontist may use special tools and instruments such as a laser or an ultrasonic device to do the job.

Root Planing

Root planing prevents bacteria and tartar buildup by smoothing out the root surfaces and eliminating bacterial byproducts that delay healing or the reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth surfaces.

Antibiotics

The periodontist typically controls bacterial infection by prescribing topical or oral antibiotics. Moreover, topical antibiotics may include gels containing antibiotics inserted into the space between the teeth and gums after a deep cleaning or antibiotic mouth rinses. Alternatively, oral antibiotics may be more effective at eliminating infection-causing bacteria.

Surgical Treatments

Flap Surgery

Flap or pocket reduction surgery involves making small incisions in the gum to lift back that section and expose the roots to ensure effective scaling and root planing. The periodontist may recontour the underlying bone before suturing the gum tissue back in place if the patient with advanced periodontitis has suffered bone loss.

Soft Tissue Grafts

Periodontists perform soft tissue grafts on patients experiencing gum recession after losing gum tissue. This procedure reinforces some of the damaged soft tissue by attaching a small amount of tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth or another donor source to the affected site. Besides reinforcing the damaged gum tissue, soft tissue grafts cover exposed roots, reduce gum recession, and restore the appearance of the patient’s smile.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting prevents tooth loss when periodontitis damages the bone surrounding the tooth root. The graft may be made of synthetic materials, fragments of the patient’s bone, or another donor’s bone. Moreover, it serves as a platform for new bone growth.

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment in Jupiter!

At Prestige Periodontal & Implant Center, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy smile and body. Contact us today to make an appointment.