Gum disease symptoms and dental emergencies never seem to occur at convenient times. It’s important to find a periodontist near me for treatment as soon as possible to prevent more serious complications like tooth loss or jawbone damage.
Ask about how long your provider has been in practice and what type of technology they use. They should be able to explain their process and answer your questions thoroughly.
Gum Disease Treatment
Mild cases of gum disease can often be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings (including scaling and root planing), and avoiding habits that damage teeth and gums. These include smoking, eating sugary snacks between meals, and chewing on hard objects like pencils and pen caps.
Your periodontist may perform gingivitis treatments, including deep cleaning with a dental hygienist and removing tartar from the pockets between your teeth. They can also teach you how to practice good oral hygiene at home to prevent gum disease from returning.
When gum disease advances to periodontitis, it can cause tooth loss and expose the roots of your teeth to decay. Your periodontist can repair the damage by performing procedures such as bone grafting, which adds material to areas of your jawbone that have worn away. They can also use guided tissue regeneration to encourage your body’s natural ability to grow new bone and tissue. They may also prescribe antibiotics to fight infection.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a more permanent solution to missing teeth than dentures or bridges. They look and feel more like natural teeth, and they help maintain your bone health by replacing the roots of missing teeth.
Implants are made of titanium, a metal that’s biocompatible with the body. They have a screw-shaped post that’s surgically placed in the jawbone. A connecting piece called an abutment fits on top of the post. A crown is then attached to the abutment to complete the replacement tooth.
Your dentist will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you have. They will also explain the cost. It’s a good idea to get a quote before you start treatment and find out whether your insurance covers the costs. You should also ask about sedation options. Some offices offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation. Make sure you have a ride home after your surgery if you choose sedation.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring (also known as gum reshaping) can help balance and even the appearance of your smile. If you have a “gummy smile” or teeth that look crooked, this cosmetic procedure can reduce excess gum tissue to reshape and brighten the crown of each tooth. It can also address cosmetic issues like an uneven gum line and make it easier to clean your teeth.
Your provider will numb the area with local anesthesia before performing gum contouring. They will use a scalpel or laser to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line. They may also remove a small piece of bone at the roots of each tooth.
After gum contouring, you should avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for a week to let the surgical site heal. You should take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage discomfort and prevent infection. You should also practice gentle oral hygiene to prevent irritation of the surgical site and keep it clean.
Gum Grafting
A gum graft sounds like an intense surgery, and it can be if it involves taking tissue from the roof of your mouth. However, it’s often the best choice when your gums are thin and sensitive.
The periodontist will numb your gums and teeth roots with local anesthesia. They may also offer sedation dentistry options for your comfort.
After you’re comfortable, your periodontist will make an incision and create a flap in your gums. They will then place the gum graft over your exposed teeth and bones. The new tissue will fuse and integrate with your existing gums.
Some discomfort will probably occur after the procedure, but you should be able to manage this with over-the-counter pain medications. You’ll need to eat soft foods and avoid activities that could damage the gums. Your periodontist will give you specific recovery guidelines. They may even want to check on your progress a week later. Fortunately, many dental insurance providers cover the cost of gum grafting.