Periodontal disease is a condition that affects the underlying structures of the teeth, including the gums, bones, and supporting ligaments. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other complications.
At Caton J. State, DDS, Periodontics & Dental Implants, we offer a variety of treatment options to help our patients manage periodontal disease. To learn more about these treatment options, please read below. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our Citrus Heights, CA office today!
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment that involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and root surfaces. This helps to eliminate bacteria that can cause inflammation and infection in the gums. It is typically performed under local anesthesia and may require multiple appointments, depending on the severity of the disease.
- Scaling: The first step is scaling, which involves using a dental scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and root surfaces. The scaler is a handheld tool with a sharp tip that is used to scrape away the buildup of tartar from the teeth and root surfaces.
- Root planing: Once the scaling is complete, the next step is root planing. This involves smoothing the rough surfaces of the root to remove any remaining bacteria and toxins. This step helps to promote the reattachment of the gums to the tooth and prevent further buildup of bacteria.
Arestin
Arestin is a locally applied antibiotic that is used in combination with scaling and root planing to treat periodontal disease. It is placed directly into the periodontal pockets to kill bacteria and promote healing. Arestin is usually administered during the same appointment as scaling and root planing.
Laser Gum Therapy
Laser gum therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser technology to remove bacteria and infected tissue from the gums. It can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Laser gum therapy may be used in combination with other treatments, such as scaling and root planing.
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is a surgical treatment that involves removing diseased tissue and reshaping the bone around the teeth. It is typically performed under local anesthesia and may require several appointments. Osseous surgery can help to eliminate periodontal pockets and promote the healing of infected or inflamed gum tissue.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves removing gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This can be helpful in cases where the gum tissue has grown over the tooth, making it difficult to clean and increasing the risk of periodontal disease. It is also helpful when a broken tooth needs to be exposed further in order for it to be properly restored.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing gum tissue to eliminate pockets that have formed around the teeth. These pockets can trap bacteria, leading to further damage to the gums and surrounding teeth. This procedure can encourage healing and prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance involves regular cleanings and checkups to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease. Patients with a history of periodontal disease may require more frequent cleanings and checkups to maintain healthy gums and prevent further damage.
Perioscopy
A perioscopy is a revolutionary dental procedure that has transformed the way we diagnose and treat periodontal disease. This minimally invasive process employs a tiny, fiber-optic camera, known as a perioscope, to explore and visualize the subgingival environment, allowing our dental professionals to assess the health of the tooth roots and surrounding tissues with unparalleled precision. Using the perioscope during a scaling and root planing procedure allows our team to thoroughly cleanse the tooth structure from plaque and tartar.
By providing real-time, high-resolution imaging of periodontal pockets and other affected areas, our perioscopy procedure enables our team to identify plaque, calculus, and early signs of gum disease with remarkable accuracy. Additionally, the tool allows us to detect cracks or perforations in the tooth root—defects that would otherwise require surgery to diagnose.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure frequently employed in the field of periodontics to address bone loss resulting from periodontal disease, missing teeth, or other oral health issues. This technique involves the transplantation of bone material, either harvested from the patient’s own body or from a donor, to the affected area in the jaw, with the aim of promoting new bone growth and restoring structural integrity. We may also cover the grafting material with a special membrane to facilitate healing and encourage regeneration.
By stimulating the regeneration of lost bone and providing essential support for the surrounding tissues, bone grafting can help reverse the damaging effects of periodontal disease, improve dental implant candidacy, and enhance overall oral health.
Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
Cosmetic periodontal surgery is an aesthetic-focused procedure aimed at enhancing the appearance of a patient’s smile and gum line. Common cosmetic periodontal surgeries include crown lengthening and gum grafting.
- Crown lengthening is often performed to correct a “gummy smile” by removing excess gum tissue, thereby exposing more of the tooth’s crown and creating a more balanced appearance.
- Gum grafting addresses gum recession by transplanting healthy soft tissue to the affected area, effectively restoring the gum line and reducing the risk of further tissue loss or tooth sensitivity.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure designed to treat gum recession, a common condition that occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to recede, exposing the tooth roots. This exposure can lead to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and eventual tooth loss. Gum grafting aims to reverse the effects of gum recession by transplanting healthy soft tissue, usually taken from the patient’s own palate or an adjacent area, to the affected gum line.
At our practice, we believe in a personalized approach to periodontal treatment. Our team of dental professionals will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our periodontal disease treatment options.
