Periodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating issues that affect gum tissues and the other structures that support teeth. They provide a wide range of treatments, from restorative treatments for periodontal disease to cosmetic treatments aimed at improving the aesthetics of a person’s smile.
Popular treatments used in periodontics
Here are a few of the popular treatments used in periodontics to address issues like gum disease.
1. Scaling and root planing
Root scaling and planing is a more thorough version of a conventional teeth cleaning. It involves removing plaque, bacteria, and tartar from teeth and their roots. The procedure also includes polishing teeth roots afterward to reduce the rate of tartar accumulation.
Also known as deep cleaning, scaling and root planing is often broken up into multiple treatments to make recovery easier on patients. The procedure involves pulling back gum tissues to clean teeth roots, which can cause discomfort that lasts a few days.
2. Laser gum treatments
Lasers are less invasive when treating gum disease. For example, using a laser to remove bacteria and tartar below the gum line can be just as effective as using conventional tools, but it does not require pulling gum tissues from the teeth roots. Different types of lasers are available in periodontics, and they can be used to treat soft and hard structures in the mouth.
3. Tray delivery system
Mouth trays are often used for treatments like teeth cleanings, fluoride treatment, or antibiotics. After the dentist makes an impression of a patient’s mouth, it goes to a dental lab. In about two weeks, the custom tray will be sent to the dentist to be given to the patient.
4. Gum graft surgery
Teeth roots can be exposed due to issues like gum recession. Roots are vulnerable to decay because they are not covered with enamel, but rather cementum, which is not as durable. Exposed teeth roots can also affect the way that a person’s smile looks.
Gum grafts can be performed to help cover up exposed teeth roots. The procedure usually involves taking donor tissues from other parts of the mouth and using them to cover up exposed teeth roots.
5. Bone regeneration
This procedure is usually recommended when the bone structures supporting teeth have been damaged by issues like gum disease. It helps reverse the damage by removing the disease-causing bacteria in the area. Bone grafts or proteins that stimulate the production of healthy bone tissues are added to the site after removing the bacteria there.
6. Crown lengthening
Excessive gum tissues can affect the appearance of a person’s smile. The condition is also known as "a gummy smile," and it makes teeth appear abnormally short. Crown lengthening can be used to remove excess bone and gum tissues around teeth, making them appear longer.
Make your gum health a priority
Are you dealing with issues like periodontal disease? Give us a call, or stop by our location in Bethesda to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.villadental.com or call Villa Dental at (301) 409-3583 for an appointment in our Bethesda office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Periodontics in Bethesda, MD.
Related Posts
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one of the most efficient ways to save decaying or damaged teeth. Many individuals, however, get anxious when they learn they need it. This is mostly due to the widespread misconception that undergoing endodontic treatment is unpleasant. It is incorrect —…
Dental bonding is a simple and pain-free cosmetic procedure that can fix minor imperfections with teeth. Everyone should be able to show off a smile that they are proud of, and many achieve the smile of their dreams through dental bonding treatment. The most notable reasons to consider dental bonding are to fill gaps between teeth,…
An implant crown is an important part of dental implants. This is a cap that goes on the end of the implant, acting as the tooth. It is natural-looking in color, shape, and size. If you are missing a tooth, you should not have to live with a gap in your mouth. This treatment can…
Going to the dental office regularly likely means that the teeth will be cleaned on a routine basis, however, this does not mean that a deep teeth cleaning will be done. A deep teeth cleaning is actually different than the routine one that is done at a check-up. Many patients initially believe that a deep…