Posted by Valerie Mukanga Sep 05,2022
Scaling and root planing are two types of deep cleanings that remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Scaling removes plaque and tartar, and root planing smoothes the surface of the tooth root to prevent bacteria from accumulating there in the future.
Antibiotic therapy is prescribed when dental plaque is allowed to accumulate on the teeth and gums. Bacteria living inside the plaque buildup can cause gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and as the gums become inflamed, pockets form between the teeth and gums. Bacteria can then enter the pockets and infect the gum tissue.
If your dentist diagnoses you with periodontal disease, they may prescribe a topical antibiotic to help increase antibiotic absorption to the diseased teeth and gums.
There are several treatments for gum disease. One common method is flap surgery. This involves lifting the gums and removing the bacteria causing the infection. The gums are folded back so the roots of the teeth can be accessed and the infection removed. The gums are then sutured back in place and must be cared for properly during the recovery period.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissues, bone, and other supporting tissues of the teeth. In the earliest stages, periodontal disease is referred to as gingivitis. Scaling and root planing therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease.
Guided Tissue Regeneration, or GTR, is the process of regenerating bone or gum tissue that has been resorbed due to gum disease.
GTR is performed using a special surgical instrument called a GTR grafter. This instrument has tiny blades that pinch gum tissue and pull it away from the surface of the tooth, creating a small pouch. The graft is then placed into the pouch and secured in place. Over time, the graft naturally integrates with the gum tissue, restoring its volume.
GTR can be used to regenerate bone and gum tissue that has deteriorated as a result of gum disease.
After scaling and root planing, the periodontist will determine if soft tissue grafting is necessary. This is a process of healing the gum lining with tissue taken from elsewhere in the mouth.
If there is insufficient gum tissue, this grafting process will create more tissue. If gum tissue has been lost due to periodontal disease, the graft will regenerate the gumline.
Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a procedure designed to treat areas of bone loss in the jaw. This can be caused by periodontal disease, trauma, or infection. GBR can be performed alone or with other treatments such as bone grafting. When a patient’s jawbone has been damaged, the body does not naturally grow new bone in the damaged area. This can lead to empty spaces in the jaw. Over time, these empty spaces can compromise the health and function of the jaw.
Osseous surgery refers to any surgical procedure that targets the jawbone. This is most commonly done to:
- Correct a misaligned jaw (usually the mandible)
- Remove damaged areas of the jawbone (usually the maxilla)
- Remove a tumor
- Remove teeth that have not yet fallen out
Prior to surgery, the periodontist will describe all steps of the procedure to the patient. The individual should ask questions if there is something that is unclear.
A crown lengthening procedure is a periodontal plastic surgery procedure that corrects an “gummy” smile. During a gum lift, excess gum tissue is removed and teeth are made to look longer.
A crown lengthening procedure is often performed simultaneously with a dental implant procedure.
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