Periodontal disease, also referred to as gum disease, can have adverse effects on one’s appearance and health. At the practice of cosmetic dentist Edward Shukovsky, DDS we make sure to check each of our patients for any signs of periodontal disease. For those patients that are suffering from various stages of gum disease, we offer several types of periodontal treatment at our practice. Depending on the severity of the case, there are non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment options that can be used to improve your dental health.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an inflammation or swelling of the tissues that support the teeth, and is caused by tartar and bacteria buildup. There are four layers in the periodontium that support the teeth. The top layer called the gingival, or gum tissue, is the most susceptible and most often infected. As each deeper layer becomes infected, the periodontal disease becomes worse, creating more pain and more severe health issues. If periodontal treatment is not administered to infected gums and the bacteria is allowed to fester, it can lead to serious dental issues such as tooth loss and jawbone decay. People with certain genetic factors such as Down syndrome or diabetes may be more susceptible to periodontal disease, which is why regular screenings at our practice are recommended.
Periodontal Treatment
Though we are happy to provide periodontal treatment, the best way to ensure proper dental health is preventive daily oral hygiene. For most patients, brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly are enough to stave off periodontal disease. However, if periodontal disease has begun to infect the gums, there are non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment options available at the practice of Dr. Shukovsky.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments
Scaling: Scaling involves the removal of bacteria and tarter from the surface of the teeth. There are several different methods used to perform the scaling treatment. The scaling procedure is completed using traditional dental instruments, an ultrasonic device, or a dental laser.
- Root Planing
Root planing can be used in conjunction with scaling, or on its own depending on the amount of periodontal treatment needed. When the roots of the teeth develop a tarter buildup, root planing may be needed to smooth the surfaces of the roots and prevent further buildup. - Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used by some dentists as a periodontal treatment option. While oral antibiotics can be prescribed, topical antibiotics are most often the preferred prescription. While antibiotics are not the preferred periodontal treatment option at the practice of Dr. Shukovsky, they may be needed to fully eliminate bacteria. - Laser Treatment
At our practice, we encourage our patients to use our dental laser technology whenever possible. Our dental lasers are used not only for periodontal treatment, but several other treatments as well. Laser dentistry procedures offer many benefits, most of which is the complete lack of pain during the procedure and recovery.
Surgical Periodontal Treatments
Pocket Reduction Surgery: For some patients, traditional scaling and root planing are not enough. For these patients, pocket reduction or flap surgery may be a necessary periodontal treatment. At our practice, we prefer to use our dental laser whenever possible, but in some cases surgical incisions may be required. To begin the procedure, Dr. Shukovsky makes tiny incisions along the patient’s gums so that the gum tissue can be pulled back, exposing the roots. With the roots exposed, Dr. Shukovsky can more effectively scale and plane. The entire procedure can be performed under local anesthesia in a couple of hours.
- Soft Tissue Grafts
For more serious cases, a soft tissue graft from the patient’s palate may be necessary to reduce further gum recession. - Bone Grafting
When the bone is destroyed around the tooth root, bone grafting must be performed. The bone graft will help prevent tooth loss. - Guided Tissue Regeneration
When bone grafting is required, guided tissue regeneration may also be needed to promote bone and tissue growth.
Contact Us to Learn More about Periodontal Treatment
If you are struggling with painful periodontal disease symptoms, it may be time to consult a dentist. At our practice, Dr. Shukovsky and our staff provide periodontal evaluations and treatment to our patients. We offer the most advanced dental technologies in the comfort of our office to meet our patients’ needs. So if you are looking for a high-technology practice that still offers individual attention, do not wait a moment longer. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation and discuss your periodontal treatment options at our practice with Dr. Shukovsky.
