Periodontics

• Medications
• Miscellaneous symptomatic diseases and their treatments
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Genetic susceptibility
• Hormonal changes in girls / women

• Red or swollen gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing
• Receding gums or teeth that no longer appear

Gum Disease Treatment

The number and types of treatment vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of periodontal treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. Changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, may improve the treatment outcome.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planning)

The dentist or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planning. Scaling involves scraping off the tartar from both above and below the gum line.

Laser Bacterial Reduction:

At any given time, our mouths are occupied by 10 to 50 million bacteria. This bacterium is both positive and negative. However, the negative bacteria that thrive in our oral cavity are very destructive and are capable of tainting our blood stream, resulting in undesirable cross-contamination between our mouth and the rest of our body. With Laser Bacterial Reduction, the gum tissue around the tooth, where most negative bacteria are found, is infused with light and oxygen creating an environment where positive bacteria thrive and negative bacteria cannot survive. This results in rejuvenated gum tissue and a healthier mouth and body. Our Hygienists are Laser Bacterial Certified, ask your hygienist if Laser Bacterial Reduction is for you. This is a simple service that can be done in conjunction with your routine cleaning.

Root planning gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where germs gather and help to remove bacteria that contribute to the gum disease. In some instances, a laser may be used to remove plaque and tartar. This procedure can result in less bleeding, swelling and discomfort compared to traditional methods.

Medications:

Medications may be used along with treatment such as scaling and root planning, but they cannot always take the place of surgery. Depending on how far the disease has progressed, surgical treatment may still be necessary.

Surgical Treatments:

• Flap surgery - Surgery might be necessary if inflammation and deep pockets remain following the above treatments. A dentist may perform flap surgery to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the periodontal pocket. This procedure makes it easier for the patient, dentist and hygienist to keep the area clean.
   
  This common surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place so the tissue fits snugly around the tooth once more. After surgery, the gums will heal and fit more tightly around the tooth. This sometimes can result in the teeth appearing longer after the surgery.

• Bone and tissue grafts - In addition to flap surgery, your dentist may suggest additional procedures to help regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost to periodontitis. Bone grafting, where natural or synthetic bone is placed in the area of bone loss, can help promote bone growth.
   
  Guided tissue regeneration can be used along with bone grafts. A small piece of mesh-like material is inserted between the bone and gum tissue. This keeps the gum tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing both the bone and connective tissue to regrow correctly. Growth factors (proteins that can help your body naturally regrow bone) may also be used.
   
  In cases where gum tissue has been lost, a soft tissue graft may be used, in which synthetic material or tissue is taken from another area of your mouth is used to cover exposed tooth roots.

How To Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy?

• Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth or use a device recommended by a dental professional
• Visit Rasmussen Dental routinely for a checkup and professional cleaning
• Brush your teeth three times a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
• Do not smoke