Depending on the type and severity of gum disease, the gum treatment methods can be classified under two broad categories: non-surgical and surgical.
1. Infant oral health exams, including assessment of dental caries in mother and child.
Scaling and Root Planing: A minor procedure, recommended for the early stages of gum disease, in which plaque and tartar are carefully removed from the affected gums by a dental hygienist, and the tooth root is smoothened, to remove bacterial toxins.
Laser Gum Treatment: A non-invasive procedure, laser dentistry treats the affected gum pocket with an intense, narrow light beam with a wavelength suited for soft-tissue procedures. This method of gum treatment removes minimal diseased tissue and decontaminates gum pockets to reduce bacteria and preserve healthy tissue.
2. Surgical Gum Treatments
Gum surgery is required for progressed gum disease stages. Types include:
Flap Surgery or Pocket Depth Reduction: In this procedure, a periodontist will fold back the affected gum tissue to remove bacteria, tartar, and plaque underneath it. The gum tissue will then be secured back in place, and any irregular surfaces will be smoothened to ensure easy reattachment to the healthy bone.
Gum Grafts: In this method of gum surgery tissue from another part of the mouth, (usually the palate) is used to cover the exposed root, to restore the gum line. It prevents further gum recession and bone loss and restores a youthful smile.
Crown Lengthening: The gum line is reshaped by adjusting the bone and gums to make dental restoration possible.
Ridge Augmentation: A simple procedure to regenerate the jaw bone and tissue, and re-establish the natural gum line.
At Designer Smiles, we ensure the utmost care and comfort of our patients and strive to alleviate their problems. If you’re facing any symptoms of gum disease, do not hesitate to drop in for a consultation.