Treating Periodontal Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, affecting countless adults across the country. While this condition is easily prevented with the adoption of an effective oral hygiene routine, it can also progress quickly if left untreated. In severe cases of periodontal disease, patients may find themselves facing tooth loss and jaw bone deterioration.

In addition to damaging an individual’s oral health, gum disease can also compromise a patient’s overall health by increasing the likelihood of other health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. With these consequences in mind, treating periodontal disease as soon as possible is a critical part of restoring the health of your smile.

Types of Periodontal Treatments

There are several methods of treating gum disease and restoring the health of the dentition, each of which are recommended based on the progression of the disease as well as the condition of the smile. Common treatment options include:

Deep Cleaning: Also known as root planing and scaling, this non-surgical gum treatment removes plaque and tartar from the root surfaces and periodontal pockets. By thoroughly removing bacteria from the root surfaces, this treatment helps to prevent recurring infection and is often considered one of the less invasive treatment options for periodontal disease. Antibiotics and other antimicrobial therapy may be used to slow or kill the disease-causing bacteria.

Soft Tissue Lasers: Dental lasers can also be used to treat gum disease. During this treatment, bacteria and infected tissue are removed while the periodontal pocket is sterilized. As the laser cauterizes the gum tissue during treatment, patients are able to enjoy accelerated recovery as well as minimal post-treatment discomfort. Additionally, soft tissue lasers also help to stimulate gum reattachment to the teeth, minimizing the size of the periodontal pockets. 

Gum Grafting: In some instances of severe gum disease, root planning and scaling will not sufficiently restore gum health. These advanced cases of periodontal disease may require soft tissue grafting. During this procedure, the infected gum tissue is removed and replaced with donor tissue from a healthier part of the smile. In the long run, gum grafting surgery helps prevent further damage to the smile by covering the roots and reducing bone recession caused by periodontal disease.

Dental Implants: If left untreated, gum disease can cause bone deterioration, leading to weakened bone structure as well as increasing the likelihood of tooth loss. In combination with bone grafting and other bone reinforcement procedures, dental implants can be used to stimulate healthy bone regeneration as well as replace any missing teeth. In addition to enhancing the health of the dentition, dental implants also restore dental function to the smile, thereby comprehensively restoring health to the smile.

Periodontal Treatment in Newton

For patients experiencing symptoms of gum disease, seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial to maintaining long-term oral health. In Newton, Dr. Ted Filandrianos and his team offer a range of specialized gum disease treatments and restorations to help patients regain their smiles. For more information about treating and preventing periodontal disease, contact ourNewton dentist today.