What is periodontal therapy?
Periodontal therapy describes the many treatments and services available to alleviate gum disease and its symptoms. You can also get certain forms of cosmetic periodontal therapy to improve the way your smile looks by adjusting your gum line.
Gum disease is a bacterial infection affecting your gums, which can worsen and harm your teeth and bones. Eventually, it can even cause you to lose your teeth. While some bacteria are natural and beneficial to your mouth, excessive bacteria can build up and cause inflammation.
To prevent gum disease and treat it in its early stages, you should brush twice a day using proper brushing methods from your dentist. You should also floss at least once a day and attend regular cleaning appointments with your dentist. Your dentist, periodontist, or other providers can tell you if you should consider more involved forms of periodontal therapy.
What are my options for periodontal therapy?
Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Bogart offer many options for both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for periodontal disease. They can help you decide which treatment or treatments best suit your needs depending on the current state of your gum disease. Your options for periodontal therapy include:
Laser periodontal therapy
Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Bogart are both certified LANAP® clinicians. Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) is an alternative to traditional gum surgery. The clinicians use a powerful yet precise laser to remove diseased tissue and treat gum disease.
Conventional periodontal surgery
Conventional periodontal surgery involves a scalpel. Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Bogart use it to release the diseased gum tissue away from your teeth, fold the gum back to provide access to the tooth roots, which are then cleaned with ultrasonic and hand instrumentation. Inflammed and diseased tissue is removed, stitches are placed between the teeth to reposition and hold the gums back in place. The stitches may dissolve over a two week period, or they may need to be removed during an office visit one to two weeks later.
Gum or bone grafting
If gum disease has cost you substantial gum tissue or affected your jawbone, Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart might use a gum graft or a bone graft to replace lost tissue.
Dental implant surgery
A dental implant can replace one or more teeth if you lost them to gum disease or decay. It also helps restore structure to your jawbone. You might need a sinus lift and bone graft before getting a dental implant.
When should I consider periodontal therapy?
The various forms of periodontal therapy can treat gum disease at all stages, including gingivitis (the mildest form) and periodontitis (the more severe form). If you don’t notice any symptoms, your dentist can tell you if you should consider periodontal therapy after an exam at your routine dental appointments. Symptoms of gum disease might include:
Signs of Periodontal Disease
- Swollen, red gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Gum recession (causing your teeth to look longer)
- Loose teeth
- Pockets between your teeth and gums
- New or widening gaps between teeth
- Pus leakage between teeth
Some of the symptoms associated with gum disease can come from other conditions, so it’s important to book an exam if you notice them.
To explore your options for periodontal therapy, call the office of Dr. James Jacobs & Dr. Tara Bogart or book a consultation online today.
