Periodontal Services
At FLOSS Dental, our approach always begins with exploring non-surgical treatment options before considering surgery as a solution. The need for periodontal surgery arises only when our periodontist assesses that the tissue surrounding your teeth is in an unhealthy condition and cannot be effectively restored through non-surgical methods. Here are the four primary types of surgical treatments that are frequently recommended:
- Pocket Reduction Procedures
- Regenerative Procedures
- Crown Lengthening
- Soft Tissue Grafts
Rest assured, we prioritize your well-being and strive to provide the most appropriate and effective treatment for your dental needs.
Periodontal Disease
The human mouth serves as a thriving hub for various bacteria, with approximately 22 different types of bacteria residing there at any given moment. Notably, that sticky film on your teeth, which greets you every morning as plaque, is a product of the harmful bacteria within your oral cavity. Failure to remove this plaque through regular brushing and flossing leads to its hardening into tartar. Once tartar establishes itself, the onset of gingivitis, a form of periodontal disease, is imminent.
Behind the barricade of tartar, bacteria multiply rapidly, releasing toxins that trigger inflammation and reddening of the gums. Without prompt treatment, these bacteria will infiltrate below the gum line, paving the way for periodontitis, another severe form of periodontal disease. Over time, as damage accrues, only periodontal surgery can effectively address the condition and save your teeth. If you're still reading, perhaps now is a good time to head to the bathroom and give your teeth some attention?
As bacteria breach below the gum line, the toxins they generate commence a literal dissolution of the supporting tissue and bone. This degenerative process creates pockets within the affected areas. Essentially, the more tissue and bone dissolve, the larger these pockets become, providing fertile ground for accelerated bacterial growth. Consequently, the degeneration process escalates. Pocket reduction, a type of periodontal surgery, aims to interrupt this cycle by minimizing the size of these pockets and preventing further damage. Failure to undergo this surgical intervention may lead to tooth loosening and, ultimately, tooth loss.
Periodontitis
Pocket reduction is a surgical procedure in periodontics where the dentist initially retracts the gums to eliminate bacteria associated with periodontitis. Typically, a somewhat uncomfortable scraping process is necessary to remove tartar buildup on the tooth or root surface. If the root is damaged or uneven, the dentist may need to smooth it by removing additional root material since gums do not reattach to rough or uneven surfaces.
Upon completion, the final step in this periodontal procedure often involves applying an antimicrobial treatment to eradicate any remaining bacteria. In most cases, further periodontal surgery is not required, and maintaining good oral hygiene should suffice to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.
Gum Disease and Regeneration
In instances where gum disease has inflicted severe damage on the root and underlying bone structure, necessitating more than pocket reduction, the periodontal surgery known as regeneration becomes essential. True to its name, this procedure aims to restore and regenerate the compromised bone and supporting tissue (gums). In the process of this type of periodontal surgery, we commence with a bone graft, followed by treatments involving tissue-stimulating proteins. If successful, this approach facilitates the reattachment of gums to the newly regenerated bone.
Another alternative in the realm of periodontal surgery is the soft tissue graft. This procedure becomes necessary when the degenerative process has progressed to the point of root exposure due to gum recession. In a soft tissue graft periodontal surgery, tissue is harvested from other oral regions, such as the palate, and then transplanted to cover the exposed root. Naturally, prior to conducting such a periodontal surgery, we must first eliminate the bacteria responsible for the issue. For insights into the factors contributing to bacterial buildup in your mouth, please don't hesitate to contact us today!
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