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.

Selecting the Right Restoration for Your Smile

Over time, routine wear can erode the enamel of your teeth, opening the door for dental conditions that weaken the health of your smile and overall oral function. Reinforcing these damaged teeth with a comprehensive restoration can help ensure you retain your healthy smile and prevent more extensive issues in the future. However, with so many dental restorations available, knowing which treatment will most efficiently fulfill your health needs without creating future issues can be difficult.

Depending on the condition of your smile and your long-term health goals, consider the following treatment options:

For Treating Cavities, Chips, and Minor Cracks
In instances of minor tooth damage and enamel erosion, composite fillings may be the most effective, least invasive method of restoring the affected tooth. Unlike traditional metal fillings which can contract and expand when exposed to extreme temperatures and can cause the tooth to look gray, composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin that does not react to changes in temperature. As a result, patients are able to enjoy improved smiles without the discomfort associated with traditional amalgam fillings.

For Restoring Teeth Following Root Canal Therapy or Fractures
When teeth have been damaged as result of severe infection or abscess, a root canal is often the most effective treatment to prevent continued deterioration to a patient’s oral function. Following this endodontic treatment, porcelain crowns are often recommended as the ideal solution to reinforcing this damaged tooth while preventing reinfection.

Highly resilient and able to withstand routine function, crowns are designed to match the neighboring teeth in both appearance and functionality. Crowns may also be recommended in the event a fracture has extensively damaged a tooth and the tooth cannot be restored with composite fillings.

To Replace Single or Multiple Missing Teeth
Traditionally, fixed bridges were recommended as a comprehensive solution to correcting isolated tooth loss. However, this treatment also requires that the neighboring teeth be altered in order to successfully support the bridge. As a result, fixed bridges can require further restorations in the future. Similarly, while dentures and partials may seem like a financially sound idea early on, the long-term maintenance and replacement costs as well as negative oral health consequences can leave patients with less than satisfactory dental health and function.

By contrast, dental implants offer an ideal solution which is applicable to diverse cases of missing or severely damaged teeth. As implants are able to support extensive restorations, including bridges and dentures, this restorative treatment option opens the door for patients with multiple missing teeth to enjoy the stability and aesthetics that come with dental implants. Additional benefits associated with dental implants and implant-supported restorations include treatment longevity and improved jaw strength.

Schedule Your Restoration Consultation 
At Ted Filandrianos, DMD, FAGD, & Associates, our Newton implant dentists offer a number of comprehensive restorative treatment options tailored to your specific smile. From minimally invasive crowns to comprehensive full-arch restorations with dental implants, Dr. Filandrianos and his team utilize innovative technology and conservative techniques to provide patients with solutions that work for their unique dentitions.