You’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease. The good news is that periodontal diseases can often be treated successfully. Treatment has many benefits. You’ll increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease the chances of serious health problems associated with periodontal diseases.

The first non-surgical step usually involves a special cleaning, called scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and for periodontal pockets to shrink. This is sometimes referred to as “periodontal” or “deep cleaning.” A local anesthetic may be used to make you more comfortable. And the treatment may be scheduled for one or more visits.

Medications may be prescribed to control infection, pain and to aid in healing gum tissue. These medications could include a pill, a mouth rinse, or a substance that the hygienist places directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planing. Central Texas Periodontics may also stress the need to control any systemic diseases, like diabetes.

When periodontal pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, surgery may be needed to better remove inflamed tissue and reduce the damage to the bone that has formed around the teeth. As the pockets enlarge, they provide a greater place for bacteria to live and attack the bone and tissue.

Surgery allows the dentist to access hard-to-reach areas under the gum and along the roots where tartar and plaque have accumulated. Eliminating this bacterial stronghold and regenerating bone and tissue help to reduce pockets and repair damage by the progressing disease.

During the procedure, Central Texas Periodontics turns back the gum tissue and removes tartar and smooths the roots so that the gum tissue can reattach.  The gums are sutured back into place or into a new position to make the gum tissue snug around the tooth.

Your dentist may recommend additional procedures to regenerate lost bone and tissue. Bone surgery, including bone grafts, are used to rebuild or reshape bone destroyed by periodontal disease.

Membranes (filters), bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins may be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.

Splints, bite guards or other appliances may be used to stabilize loose teeth and to aid in the regeneration of tissue during healing. If excessive gum tissue has been lost, an allograft (gum graft) may be performed. An allograft can reduce further gum recession and bone loss.

Allografts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where excessive gingival recession has occurred. During this procedure, Central Texas Periodontics will loosen the existing gum tissue in the affected area. The allograft is then placed and the gums are sutured back into place area. This procedure can be used to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity. This can be done for one tooth or for several teeth.

After surgery, Central Texas Periodontics may apply a protective dressing over the teeth and gums and a special mouth rinse may be recommended or prescribed. An antibiotic and mild pain reliever also may be prescribed. Our team may also recommend applying cold packs to the outside of your cheeks to reduce any swelling.

Once your periodontal treatment is completed, Central Texas Periodontics will want to see you at regular intervals. Your appointments may alternate between your general dentist and Central Texas Periodontics. Daily cleaning helps keep the plaque bio-film under control and reduces tartar formation, but it won’t completely prevent it. More frequent checkups and cleanings may be needed to keep your gums disease free.

If you use tobacco, ask your dentist or physician for information about how to successfully stop the habit.  Tobacco contains chemicals that can slow the healing process and cause gum disease to become more severe, thus making the treatment results less predictable.

Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or from recurring. It takes a few minutes twice a day to care for your teeth and gums.

You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal diseases.  Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.