Periodontal Therapy

When we think about maintaining our oral health, the first thing that comes to mind is caring about our teeth to prevent caries. While most people know the dangers of tooth cavities, they don’t usually consider the importance of gum health. Our gums are equally important in maintaining our oral and overall health. They can be affected by many disorders, which, when left untreated, can cause severe health problems.

Periodontal therapy is an umbrella term for several treatment procedures for gum diseases. These treatments will help restore your gum health and will help prevent tooth loss. You can get surgical and non-surgical treatments depending on your needs and your dentist’s advice.

Gingivitis is a gum inflammation in the early stages of periodontal disease. You can reverse it by incorporating lifestyle changes like reducing tobacco usage, limiting sugary foods in your diet, and an effective oral hygiene routine. Engaging in preventive dentistry practices can play a crucial role in stopping the progression of gingivitis.

However, periodontitis, a more severe and aggressive form of periodontal disease, can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health.

• The bacteria causing plaque in your teeth can destroy your gum tissues and cause it to pull back from the teeth, thus loosening your teeth.
• The bacteria can even affect and erode the bone underneath your gums, resulting in your tooth falling out.
• The bacteria causing gum inflammation can also travel to other body parts through the bloodstream, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there could be multiple risk factors for periodontal disease:

• Advanced age
• Smoking and tobacco usage
• Genetic predisposition
• High levels of stress
• Some medications, such as oral contraceptives and anti-depressants
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Poor nutrition and obesity

Although periodontal disease usually does not show symptoms, you can still look for signs that might suggest a problem:

• Bad breath or taste in your mouth
• Red and swollen gums
• Bleeding and receding gums
• Formation of pockets between your teeth and gums
• Loose teeth
• Teeth that have shifted from where their original position

Periodontal therapy can be surgical or non-surgical. Depending on the severity of your problem, your dentist will recommend surgical or non-surgical treatments.

Surgical periodontal therapy includes:

• Administration of Localized Antibodies to Target Infections
• Soft Tissue Biopsy and Gum Disease Evaluation
• Periodontal Maintenance
• Deep Cleaning of Gums
• Bite Adjustments
• Utilize Periodontal Appliance
• Laser gum treatment

Non-surgical periodontal therapy includes:

• Bone Graft Surgery
• Dental Implants
• Pocket Reduction Surgery
• Crown Lengthening
• Bone Re-Contouring
• Ridge Augmentation
• Soft Tissue Grafts