The Purpose of Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal Disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around the teeth. The deeper the pockets, the more infection you have and the more serious the infection.

The purpose of Periodontal Treatement is to remove this infection and give these pockets a chance to heal.

Upper Level Infection

Infectious material in the upper levels of teeth pockets can be removed using specialized instruments. This procedure is called SCALING AND ROOT PLANING. It is done under local anesthesia and is different from routine, or "deep cleaning" which is traditionally done in a General Dentist's office.

Lower Level Infection

If your infection has gotten into the bone which supports your teeth, and is below the level that can be reached with specialized instruments, then a minor surgical procedure (OSSEOUS TREATMENT) must be done to pull back the gum and remove the lower level of infectious material.

Bone Regeneration

Longer teeth, exposed tooth roots, or an uneven gum line can look unsightly. They can also increase your sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets. A Periodontist can place a GUM GRAFT to correct this problem.

Crown Lengthening

When getting a Crown, the General Dentist must prepare your tooth to receive the Crown. Sometimes there is not enough tooth surface above the gumline to accomplish this. A Periodontist can do CROWN LENGTHENING to provide more tooth surface. This ensures a more stable Crown with less gum irritation. Also, if you have a "gummy" smile or an uneven gum line, CROWN LENGTHENING can make your teeth look longer and more even.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are covered in their own section. Click here to go there.