Periodontal CareMaintaining the health of your teeth is essential for the health and beauty of your mouth and your smile. However, the teeth are only one factor. The health of your gums also plays a crucial role in your oral health, your smile, and even your whole-body health. Gum disease is a common oral health complication that occurs as a result of a bacterial infection. The earliest symptoms are often difficult to detect, and can frequently go unnoticed, allowing the condition to worsen. Untreated gum disease can result in gum recession, tooth loss, and serious health issues. At Harmony Dental, we can help you to protect the health of your gums, and your mouth, with periodontal care. Scaling and Root PlaningOne of the most common treatments for gum disease is scaling and root planing. This treatment is a deep cleaning of your teeth. We clean all surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline. Scaling involves scraping the visible surfaces of your teeth. With a scaler, we remove plaque, tartar, bacteria, and other debris. Special attention is given to the areas around and just below your gumline. Root planing is the cleaning of the root surfaces of your teeth. We eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other toxins, smoothing the root surfaces. This prevents new bacteria from accumulating. An antibacterial wash is administered to kill any bacteria that might still be lingering. Pocket Reduction SurgeryWhen your periodontal pockets are too deep to effectively clean with scaling and root planing, pocket reduction surgery may be recommended. This treatment requires that we make small incisions in your gums to expose the root surfaces of your teeth. We are then able to more effectively clean your teeth. After your gums have been sutured closed, it is easier for the tissue to reattach to your teeth. Osseous SurgeryOsseous surgery may be performed in conjunction with pocket reduction surgery. This procedure is done when the bacteria have affected your jawbone, leaving it rough. As a result, the bone can hide bacteria that can continue to cause damage, even after gum disease treatment has been provided. With osseous surgery, we smooth the jawbone, preventing hiding places. Your gums are then able to begin reattaching to your jawbone and your teeth, restoring the health of your mouth.  Gum GraftingGum disease can often lead to gum recession. As your gumline recedes, your teeth begin to appear long. Your risk for cavities increases and your teeth become loose. Gum grafting helps to restore a healthy, natural gumline, improving your oral health and the quality of your smile. The procedure involves taking tissue from another area of your mouth, typically the roof, and suturing it over the affected teeth. Dental ImplantsGum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Tooth loss leads to issues eating and speaking while also affecting the quality of your smile and the health of your jawbone. Dental Implants are a modern treatment for tooth loss that restores all of the functions of your teeth. They can even help to protect the health and shape of your jawbone by preventing bone loss. Crown LengtheningExcess gum tissue can also have a significant impact on your oral health as well as the quality of your smile. In addition to making your teeth appear small, excess gum tissue can be difficult to keep clean, providing hiding places for bacteria. By removing excess gum tissue, we help to restore a natural gumline, enhancing your smile, and improving your periodontal health. With proper periodontal care, we can help you to restore and to maintain healthy gums, a healthy mouth, and a beautiful smile. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Harmony Dental at (541) 246-3250 today. |
