Gum Disease Treatment
Franklin, MA
Gum Disease Treatment in Marlborough, MA & Franklin, MA provided by Patrick Shannon DMD & Robert Walsh, DDS at Periodontal Specialists
 When an individual has periodontal disease, the supporting tissue of the teeth is destroyed, leading to the loosening of the gums snug fit around our teeth. The loosened gum tissue forms pockets around the teeth.
These pockets can accumulate bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing the infection to worsen. Usually, healthy gum pockets are no deeper than 3mm depth. Loosened pockets can increase the depth to 5mm.
To treat gum disease, depending on the severity and progression, it can be treated either nonsurgically or surgically. At Periodontal Specialists, in Franklin & Marlborough, MA, we will try nonsurgical procedures first.
NonSurgical Treatments for Gum Disease
Dental Cleaning
Nonsurgical treatments for gum disease begin with a professional dental cleaning. One of our periodontists will carry out a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar on the tooth surface and beneath the gum line. Regular cleanings can help prevent gum disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is the next step in treating gum disease. This procedure is a deep-cleaning process using scaling to remove tartar from above and below your gum line. Root planing smooths out rough surfaces of your teeth's roots, helping gums reattach to your teeth.
Medications
Medications can also be used to help treat gum disease. Oral or topical antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. Prescription antiseptic mouth rinses can also be used as part of at-home oral hygiene routine.
Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease
When nonsurgical treatments are not enough to combat gum disease, there are several surgical treatments available.
Pocket-Reduction Surgery
The procedure for this surgery begins with flap surgery. The pockets are lifted and folded back to clean the plaque and tartar and eliminate the bacteria accumulated. If the bone underneath requires reshaping, the reshaping is done, and a substance is applied to the roots to help the gum reattach.
The gum flap is then closed off by sewing it in a position that will reduce the pocket size. A dressing is then placed over the area for protection and healing purposes.
Bone Grafting
In cases where the periodontal infection destroys the bone tissue, bone grafting surgery is necessary to restore the lost bone tissue. The procedure involves anesthetizing the affected area.
The infected bone tissue is then cleared off of bacteria and tartar, and a bone fragment is placed for the bone to re-grow and heal. An organic barrier is placed over it to avoid extra growth of the bone into the areas where the regenerated bone will grow.
After the procedure, sore and swollen gums are experienced, so it is recommended to eat only soft food till the tissue heals completely to avoid the chances of any further damage.
Gingivectomy
While gingivectomy surgery can be an elective treatment performed for cosmetic reasons, it can also be effective at reducing the infection and stopping it from spreading further.
In a periodontal gingivectomy, infected gum tissue is removed so that a deeper cleaning can be performed to get rid of all traces of plaque and tartar.
During the treatment we will administer local anesthesia and then carefully and delicately cut away and reshape the healthy gums. Typically, we will then perform scaling and root planing to complete the treatment.
Gum Disease Treatment is Available in Franklin and Marlborough, MA
Periodontal Specialists has a team of experts on board for your assistance. You can reach out to us through (774) 613-6009 and book an appointment. |
