What Are Periodontics and How Can it Improve My Gums?
When we think of oral health, we tend to think of our teeth, but it is important to note that your gums are just as important, if not more, than your pearly whites since they serve as the foundation for a healthy smile. Moreover, a receding gum line is not only aesthetically distracting, but uncomfortable since root exposure can lead to tooth sensitivity. Periodontics specifically focuses on the inflammatory disease that destroys gums and other structures that support the teeth. If you are dealing with periodontal disease, a periodontist will be able to provide the treatment you need to fight it.
Flap surgery: During this procedure, your gums are lifted back to remove tartar and to smooth any irregular surfaces to prevent bacteria from building up. Your gums are then placed snugly around your teeth to ensure bacteria does not hide in its pockets.
Soft tissue grafts: Your periodontist will usually remove tissue from the roof of your mouth to use for grafting, which will be stitched into thinning or receding gum areas to add reinforcement to these weakened areas.
Guided tissue regeneration: When the bone that supports a patient’s teeth is destroyed, a small piece of mesh-like fabric can be used to keep the gum tissue from growing in an area where there should be bone. When performed with the flap surgery, these procedures can allow the bone and connective tissue to grow and better support a patient’s teeth.
Bone grafts: Fragments of a patient’s bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone are installed to replace the portions of bone that were destroyed by gum disease, providing a better foundation that is able to support the regrowth of bone and restore the stability of a patient’s teeth.
Bone surgery: If a patient’s bone has shallow craters as a result of bone loss, these can be smoothed out after flap surgery.
If your gums are receding or are otherwise compromised, you need to seek the help of a skilled periodontist to quickly address it. Your gums are the foundation of your smile and must be properly maintained and kept in good health. At Zarrella Dentistry in Ashland, our skilled dental team is dedicated to providing world-class care, so our patients can enjoy good oral health and a bright smile they can feel confident in. Our dental care providers seek to provide a caring approach, open communication, and a cheerful environment, so every patient’s visit is enjoyable.
For a brighter, healthier smile, call our office today at (508) 244-4167 to schedule an appointment and learn more about our gum disease treatment options.