Scaling & Root Planing
Considered a “non-surgical” technique, root scaling and planing involves carefully scraping off plaque from tooth roots and eliminating bacteria that may be clinging to them. An antimicrobial and/or antibiotic treatment may be used in conjunction with this treatment.
Scaling and planing is used on less advanced cases of gum disease and is a relatively inexpensive procedure.
Tray Delivery Systems
Another treatment method for less severe cases of periodontal disease is the use of a medicated “tray” delivery system. A custom fit tray will be made to fit the contours of your mouth, and prescription level antibiotics or other medications will be continually infused into your gum tissue to help it heal.
The length of time you have to wear the tray will vary greatly depending on the condition of your gums.
Gum Flap Surgery
Over time, bone and gum tissue around the base of your teeth can deteriorate, until pockets form that then fill up with bacteria. These deep bacterial pockets become centers from which gum disease spreads throughout your mouth, and thus, they must be eliminated.
These pockets can be removed by cutting back flaps of gum tissue and removing the bacteria. Rough bone edges on which bacteria thrive may need to be smoothed out. Gum flap surgery can also be used to simply address infected periodontal tissue, not just if there are deep pockets.
PST Grafts
The pinhole surgical technique (PST) is a minimally invasive surgery that involves forming a tiny “pinhole” below the gum line, inserting a thin probing tool, and then stretching and moving the gums into their proper position.
PST grafts are used to correct a badly receding gum line without major surgery, but your gums have to be in reasonably healthy condition for this option to be viable.
The opposite procedure from PST grafts, crown lengthening, involves lowering a too-high gum line, either for aesthetic reasons or to allow an extraction, dental implant, or other necessary procedure to be done more easily.
Bone and Soft Tissue Grafts
Sometimes, in order to correct the damage done by gum disease or to prepare your mouth for dental implants, you will need bone grafts and/or soft tissue grafts.
Gum grafts can help your gum tissue get a head start on regrowth and actually encourage additional tissue to regenerate around them.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
For advanced gum disease, and even for some less advanced cases, laser periodontal treatment is by far the most effective and up to date option.
Laser treatment is less painful than other treatment options, while also involving less swelling/bleeding.
It also involves less loss of healthy periodontal tissue, optimally kills bacteria, and has a faster recovery time than other techniques.
To learn more about the different stages and types of gum disease and their various possible treatments, contact periodontist Dr. Raymond A. Kenzik in Ormond Beach and throughout Volusia & Flagler Counties, Florida, today!