Periodontal Disease - is a group of diseases that affect the tissues that support and anchor the teeth. If untreated,periodontal disease results in the destruction of the
See Your Dentist Regularly to Keep Periodontal Disease Away!
gums, alveolar bone (the part of the jaws where the teeth arise), and the outer layer of the tooth root. The earliest form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible with proper treatment.
Once a patient is diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease (also called periodontitis), their dentist will recommend procedures above and beyond that of a normal professional cleaning to properly treat and manage the periodontal disease. In the initial stages, most treatment revolves around non surgical intervention but as the periodontal disease progresses surgical treatment is often recommended and required.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Non Surgical Procedures
-Scaling and root planing. This procedure is a special type of cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from under the gum line and makes the root surfaces smooth. The smoother root surface is thought to promote reattachment of the gum tissue and promote healing. This type of cleaning is the only way to remove tartar from below the gum line. This is usually completed in multiple visits utilizing a numbing anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable..
-Drug Therapy. In some cases, antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing. In most cases of early periodontal disease, scaling and root planing in addition to continued daily cleaning at home (flossing, brushing , and rinsing) will achieve a satisfactory result of reversing periodontal disease. A wide array of antibacterial rinses such as Peridex, antibiotics taken in pill form such as Periostat, or localized placement directly into the affected pockets with an antibiotic such as Arestin, can aide in, and promote healing of the affected gum tissue.
-Periodontal maintenance or supportive periodontal therapy: Following a scaling and root planing, routine specialized cleanings (every 3-4 months) to target your periodontal problem area, can minimize the recurrence or progression of periodontal disease.Surgical Procedures
-Pocket depth reduction procedures: Your dentist or periodontist will open up the affected gum tissue so that periodontal disease causing bacteria and calculus build up can be easily seen and removed. Some cases may require contouring and smoothing of the damaged bone and root surfaces to allow the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone during the healing phase. The procedure also repositions the gum tissue so that it is easier to keep clean going forward.
-Perioscope cleaning: A deep cleaning requiring a microscope to be placed below the gum line to remove tartar, cement, or other debris.
-Regeneration. Your dentist will treat the affected gum tissue in the same way as in pocket depth reduction procedures, with the additional procedure of using membranes, bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins to stimulate the body’s natural ability to regenerate healthy bone and gum tissue. A good example of this is a bone and tissue growth factor calledEmdogain.
-Soft tissue grafts. Your dentist will take synthetic tissue such as Alloderm, or healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth (palate) or other areas of the mouth and use it
to repair receding gums and cover exposed root surfaces.
to repair receding gums and cover exposed root surfaces.
-Hard Tissue Bone Grafts. This procedure is needed when periodontal disease has destroyed the bone surrounding your tooth. The bone graft helps prevent tooth loss by holding your tooth in place. It also serves as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone. The dentist can use your bone, cadaver bone, cow bone, or a lab created calcium based bone matrix material.
Conclusion
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal diseaseplease take the news very seriously. Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that will continue to get worse without treatment. Periodontal disease leads to tooth loss and oral infections. Your dentist can help you with diagnosis, prevention, better oral hygiene methods and instruction, and proper treatment for your particular needs. Studies have shown time and again that there is a link between oral health and your general health. Keeping your mouth healthy will lead to better overall health. As always visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and regular professional cleanings to stave off the onset of periodontal disease.
© 2012, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist
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