When it comes to periodontal treatment, we specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, including treatment plans and the restoration of implants, as well as in the treatment of oral inflammation.
But first: what IS periodontal disease? Periodontitis is the scientific term for ‘gum disease’. It’s a severe infection that seriously damages your soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, if not properly treated. This typically leads to loose teeth or tooth loss. The good news is that it’s highly preventable and generally occurs due to poor oral hygiene. Brushing twice per day & flossing daily, along with regular dental checkups, can greatly reduce your chances of ever developing periodontitis.
Here is a glimpse into our periodontal treatments and procedures:
Dental Implants
What exactly is an implant? Think of a dental implant as an artificial tooth root that is similar in shape to a screw. Unlike other forms of dental prostheses, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide a much more natural look & feel to your tooth.
Extractions
This is the official term for “pulling” teeth. It’s actually one of the most common dentistry procedures performed, along with fillings and cleanings. Most extractions can be performed in our office. Extremely complicated extractions, however, are referred to an oral surgeon.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
This is the layman’s term for the periodontal procedure known as ‘scaling and root planing’. It is considered surgical because it involves removing unwanted debris (calculus or tartar and plaque) from the tooth or teeth below the gumline. Because this occurs below the level of the gum tissue, it is considered an invasive or surgical procedure. However, in reality, it is just the scraping or “scaling” of the teeth that we’ve all likely experienced above the gumline during a regular cleaning. The term “deep cleaning” is used because the scaling occurs below the gumline. Since it is below the gumline, we usually recommend the use of local anesthesia to numb the area.
Root Surface Debridement (RSD)
Often likened to “deep cleaning” or “root-planing”, RSD is actually a more involved procedure. It requires careful & deliberate removal of calculus and plaque from the root surface. When healthy, the gum surrounding your tooth will fit in a small space, approximately 1-3mm; however, in active gum disease, the space enlarges and forms a pocket where bacteria, plaque and calculus build up. This can lead to gum inflammation and, eventually, gum disease. RSD is a procedure that goes deep into the periodontal pocket in an effort to clean the root surface while removing bacterial toxins. It’s often performed under local anaesthesia for patient comfort with hand instruments and an ultrasonic device.
Want or need more information about one of the procedures or treatment options described above? If so, just ask a question & we’ll be happy to assist you!
