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Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that involves the supporting structures of the teeth. This includes both the bone that the root of the tooth sits in, as well as the gum that surrounds the tooth and protects the underlying bone.
Scaling and Root Planing is a procedure that involves a thorough cleaning of the root surface in deeper periodontal pockets. This is usually performed with local anesthesia and most patients are pleasantly surprised that we are able to use newer anesthetic gels that do not require the need for a shot of novocaine. Patients generally experience much less discomfort after the procedure than they expected. We use Ozone to help enhance the benefits of scaling and root planing. Ozonated water is used in our ultrasonic instruments and ozone gas is used to help kill bacteria and stimulate healing under the gum.
Laser Pocket Therapy is a more modern technique to treat periodontal pockets- deep areas under the gum that lead to bone and tooth loss. Traditionally a surgical procedure to flap the gum away from the teeth and the bones was performed along with reshaping of the bone tissue. This was a painful procedure that resultedin sensitive roots and a much more difficult environment to maintain when many foods trap between the teeth. With lasers the Gum is not removed from the tooth but the pocket is treated alongside the tooth, under the gum. The lasers are able to kill bacteria in the pockets, help clean the roots and stimulate new bone growth in some cases.
There is much less post-operative discomfort and this treatment is part of Minimally Invasive Dentistry.
Periodontal Surgery is required for a variety of reasons. We have extensive experience in treating periodontal disease. The treatment of pockets, which are deeper areas under the gum, often involving loss of the supporting bone, are now commonly treated with lasers. (See Laser Pocket Therapy). Periodontal surgery can be necessary in situations such as Clinical Crown Lengthening, which is necessary when a tooth has decayed or broken below the gum. A surgery is necessary to lower the gum and bone to expose enough tooth structure for a final restoration. Other types of periodontal surgery include treatment of inadequate amounts of gum, which are frequently solved with grafting. Periodontal surgery is often an important part of cosmetic dentistry. Usually, with the help of lasers, we are able to reshape and trim the gum tissue for a properly proportioned and aesthetically pleasing SMILE.
