The main cause of periodontal disease is bacteria in the form of a sticky, colorless plaque that constantly forms on your teeth. However, many other factors can cause periodontal (gum) disease or influence its progression.
Non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing (a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins), followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.
Most patients would not require any further treatment like surgical therapy after scaling and root planing. A majority of them though, will be recommended for an ongoing maintenance therapy. It has to be noted that if non-surgical therapy does not achieve the periodontal health, surgery may be suggested to restore periodontal anatomy that has been damaged by periodontal diseases, to facilitate oral hygiene practices.
Periodontal Surgery
If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment.
Following are the four types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed:The Use of Lasers in Periodontal Therapy
Use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) may improve the effectiveness of this procedure. When the lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy there can be less bleeding, swelling and discomfort to the patient during surgery. However, each laser has different wavelengths and power levels that can be used safely during different periodontal procedures. Damage to periodontal tissues can result if an inappropriate wavelength and/or power level is used during a periodontal procedure.
Dental Implants
If you've already lost a tooth to periodontal disease or other reasons, you may be interested in dental implants—the permanent tooth replacement option.
Cosmetic Procedures
In addition to procedures to treat periodontal disease, many periodontists also perform cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile. Oftentimes, patients who pursue cosmetic procedures notice improved function as well. Cosmetic procedures include:
