Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal Disease (also known as gum disease) is a bacterial infection that damages the gum tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to sore bleeding gums, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Scientific evidence shows a direct link between periodontal disease and a variety of other major health issues such a strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages, and diabetes. Dr. Anderson will do a thorough periodontal examination including a comprehensive assessment of gum and bone health as well as a detailed health history and x-ray evaluation. The treatment method recommended will depend on the severity of the periodontal disease.

In the early stages of periodontal disease, scaling and root planing may be recommended as a first step in treatment . Scaling and root planing (also known as deep cleaning) is a non-surgical treatment under local anesthetic using hand and ultrasonic instruments to clean deposits from beneath the gums and smooth root surfaces. Smooth root surfaces help keep bacteria and deposits from re-adhering underneath the gum line encouraging the gum tissue to reattach. Depending on the body’s response, further treatment may be necessary.

Following the diagnosis and/or treatment of periodontal disease, Dr. Anderson may recommend a 3-4 month dental hygiene cleaning schedule which includes a thorough debridement and comprehensive assessment of probing depths to maintain gum health. Studies have shown periodontal maintenance is crucial to the prevention of recurrence of the disease and will help increase the longevity of your natural teeth and dental implants.

Gum recession is the loss of protective gum tissue surrounding the tooth, exposing more of the tooth or tooth’s root. Every millimeter of gum loss results in an equivalent loss of underlying bone jeopardizing long term tooth survival and can lead to tooth loss.

• Teeth that appear longer than before.
• Discoloration of the tooth at the gumline
• Increased sensitivity due to exposed root surfaces.

Dr. Anderson may recommend a gingival graft to treat your gum recession. Gingival grafting is a highly predictable procedure and provides stable healthy gum tissue around a tooth or teeth, as well as a cosmetic solution to exposed root surfaces.

Crown Lengthening is necessary if a tooth is broken below the gumline, has too much decay present, or is without enough tooth structure to support a restoration. Dr. Anderson will recommend crown lengthening when a tooth is structurally compromised in order to save the tooth and give the referring dentist access to the tooth structure needed to receive the restoration and allow for a successful outcome. Crown Lengthening can also be used cosmetically to correct a “gummy smile” where extra gum tissue makes teeth appear unusually short.