Periodontal Therapy

What Causes Gum Disease? 

The bacteria present in the mouth accumulate on the surface of the teeth and form plaque. This plaque hardens when it is not removed. Bacteria in plaque release toxins when they are fed by sugars and other food particles. These toxins irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, which is the initial stage of gum disease. Gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease if not treated in time.

The periodontal disease slowly worsens and results in severe damage to your jawbones and gum tissues. The bacteria travel through the bloodstream and attack the supporting structures around your teeth, leading to tooth loss.

What Are the Common Treatments for Gum Disease?

• Scaling

Scaling is a common periodontal therapy performed to treat gum disease. During this procedure, your dentist removes the plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth’s surfaces using an ultrasonic scaling device. The removed plaque is washed away using a water jet.

Inflammation caused by gum disease can be reduced by reshaping your tooth roots using an ultrasonic scaling device. It helps remove any rough growth around your tooth roots, thereby preventing further accumulation of plaque.

• Grafting 

Grafting involves replacing lost gum tissues on the affected areas of your mouth with healthy tissues extracted from other parts of your mouth or donated tissues from animals. The donor tissues are stitched in place after removing any damaged tissues at the site of the grafted area through surgery.

During the surgical procedure, your dentist will remove the infected portion of tissue and bone from your mouth, place the grafts in their place, stitch them in position, and cover them with a temporary dental restoration that protects them while they heal. After healing, they will be covered with a permanent restoration like crowns or dental veneers.

• Root Planing 

Root planing is the process of removing residual embedded calculus from the tooth roots to result in a smooth, clean surface. The procedure also involves using a root planing instrument to smooth any rough edges from the base and root surfaces of teeth to allow the gums to rest safely around them.

Root planing helps eliminate any gaps between the teeth and tooth roots that could be breeding grounds for bacteria. It also reduces any sharp edges caused by receding gums that could cut into healthy tissue during chewing or brushing.

Lowery Smiles, located in Cary, NC, has expert dentists and the latest amenities for treatment. Call Dentist in Cary, NC at (919) 468-5501 and schedule an appointment.