What are Gum Disease Treatments?

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease is a condition that affects the gum tissue. It is an infection caused by bacteria contained in plaque and your body’s reaction to that bacteria. When plaque bacteria settles on the teeth along and under the gumline and remains there long enough, it may eventually infect the gum tissue, resulting in gum disease. 

If you’ve been referred to a periodontist for gum disease, you may be wondering how it is treated. Read on to learn about the various procedures used to treat and prevent gum disease, and those that repair damage caused by gum disease. 

Scaling and Root Planing 

Scaling and root planing are two procedures that are most often performed together for the treatment and prevention of gum disease. When plaque remains on the teeth without being brushed away, it hardens into calculus. Scaling is the process of removing calculus from the surface of the teeth and the roots below the gums. Root planing is performed after scaling to smooth out the root surface so that the gum tissue can reattach more firmly, preventing plaque and calculus from forming underneath. 

Growth Factors

Growth factors can be used to rebuild lost bone and gum tissue caused by gum disease. This technology has been ever increasing and now includes the use of stem cells, blood concentrates that harvest your own platelets, exosomes, and other proteins designed to increase your own body’s healing potential. The ability to repair lost bone and gum tissue using this technology allows for saving teeth that used to be considered hopeless . 

Bone Grafting 

Gum disease can cause damage to the bone of your jaw, causing it to weaken and deteriorate. Bone grafting can regenerate lost bone tissue to reverse the damage caused by gum disease and help keep the infection at bay. During a bone grafting procedure bone particles are surgically placed under the gums on top of the existing bone. The particles bond with the bone and encourage regrowth of the bone tissue over the course of a few months. Bone grafting is done to save your existing teeth or  in preparation for dental implants when they are needed to replace lost teeth. 

Gum Grafting 

Gum disease can also cause the gums to recede, or pull away from the teeth. This lost gum tissue can be replaced with gum grafting. Soft tissue is taken from donor tissue, animal tissue, or from the roof of the mouth and applied to the teeth where the gum tissue has receded. This provides better support for the teeth and protects the exposed roots from sensitivity and decay. 

Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST)

Another solution for receding gums is the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST). Instead of taking the gum from the roof of the mouth, this method uses soft tissue grafts taken from bovine collagen in a box.  Through a tiny pin-sized hole in the gums, the natural tissue is stretched and guided to cover more of the tooth. The collagen grafts are then inserted into the tiny pin hole to add bulk and width to the gifted area. This method is less invasive than traditional gum grafting, increasing comfort and accelerating recovery. 

Laser Treatment

A dental laser can be used to treat gum disease by pin point laser therapy that  eliminates diseased tissue. Lasers naturally cauterize tissue so there is little or no bleeding as the tissue is vaporized. Laser therapy can address both bone disease and soft tissue disease as needed, making it a versatile method for the treatment of gum disease. 

Why Choose Scott H. Froum, DDS, PC?

If you have severe or chronic gum disease, a periodontist is the best dental specialist to provide treatment. Dr. Froum is a highly qualified periodontist who uses the latest technology and best practices in the field to treat gum disease and repair the resulting damage. We provide a variety of treatments and strategies in order to stop the progression of gum disease and restore your oral health. 

Call 212-751-8530 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.