If you’ve developed any level of gum disease, periodontal therapy can help ensure it doesn’t progress further and cause more damage to your gums. Depending on the severity of your case, there are a number of different ways periodontal therapy can help restore diseased gum tissue to health. For the best periodontal therapy services in Phoenix, contact Friends and Family Dental today.
Arising from gum disease, periodontal therapy consists of restoring diseased gum tissue to health, ultimately helping prevent tooth loss. If periodontal disease goes untreated, it can eventually damage or destroy the bone that supports your teeth, making them loose and putting them at a heightened risk of falling out. Although periodontitis is a fairly common dental ailment, it is largely preventable with good oral hygiene.
When is Periodontal Therapy Needed?
While routine check ups and good oral habits will help maintain your teeth’s health, periodontal therapy may be needed if plaque and tartar goes unchecked for an extended amount of time. Some common symptoms of periodontal disease are sensitive gums that bleed easily, swollen or puffy gums, receding gums, and gums that have a darker red or purple color. Dr. Lee will be able to assess your specific case and determine what kind of periodontal therapy is best suited for your gums.
Common Periodontal Therapy Procedures
Depending on the severity of your periodontitis, Dr. Lee will has a number of different procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, to help restore your gum tissue to health and to protect the bone beneath. Ranging from scaling and root planing to gum grafting and plastic surgery, we will ensure the best periodontal therapy for you at Friends and Family Dental.
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)
This non-surgical procedure is the easiest and most popular method to help prevent severe gum disease and control any current issues. Dr. Lee will numb your gums and tooth roots with a local anesthesia to remove the plaque and tartar below the gums with a scaler or ultrasonic instruments. The root planing part of this periodontal therapy smooths rough spots on the roots of the teeth where bacteria can hideout and develop plaque.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is common in periodontal therapy as well as cosmetic dentistry. With this quick and relatively simple surgery, Dr. Lee will remove healthy gum tissue and place it in areas where the gum has receded. This procedure helps protect the tooth root and minimize any tooth sensitivity caused by exposed roots.
Dental Implants
Also common in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants are Dr. Lee’s preferred way of replacing a lost tooth. With this procedure, a titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone. When the bone heals and bonds around the screw, it creates a solid and sturdy base for the crown that’s specifically created and shaped to match your other teeth.
Periodontal Laser Treatment
This method of treatment uses a laser to kill the infected tissue and bacteria, exposing the root of the tooth. The once hard-to-reach tartar is then removed with an ultrasonic root cleaner (similar to the process of scaling). Once the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, a more sensitive laser is used to warm the stem cells in the blood, which creates a protective seal between the tooth root and gum. Over time the cells will form new connective tissue and collagen, increasing the protection around the tooth.
Crown Lengthening Surgery
This a common procedure if a tooth is damaged, but not enough of it shows to place a crown over it. During this procedure, Dr. Lee will remove the excess parts of your gum to expose more of your tooth. Once enough of the tooth is showing, a crown that matches the rest of your teeth will be secured, protecting and strengthening the whole tooth. Dr. Lee will then go through and reshape your gums to ensure your new smile looks just right.
Professional Periodontal Therapy Services in Phoenix
With nearly three decades of experience in dentistry, Friends and Family Dental is a choice you can feel confident about. Whether you simply need a routine cleaning, or something more intensive like periodontal therapy, we have the skills and confidence to ensure your smile is in good hands. If you need periodontal therapy services, contact us today.