Types of Periodontal Therapy
Do you often feel pain in your gums but don’t understand why? It may be time for you to look into periodontal therapy. Periodontal therapy or surgery treats infection located in the area surrounding your teeth including the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and gums. This is often referred to as gum surgery in Seattle.
At its initial stage, gingivitis or other infections are limited to the gums. However, this dental problem may result in losing a few teeth or a severe cavity. If left untreated, periodontal diseases may rapidly spread to other tissues.
Basic Information about Gum Therapy
Gum Disease Surgeries
Gum therapy and gum surgery are common solutions to address a wide range of dental problems, even those outside of gum disease. However, when you meet with your dentist, they will assess your specific case and help you find the treatment right for you. Below are some of the surgical options you can choose from:
- Soft tissue grafts
- Ridge augmentation – aims to improve the natural contour of your jawbone
- Pocket reduction surgery – decreases the gap between your gum and tooth
- Dental implants
- Crown lengthening – formed through the process of recontouring the gum tissue to avoid having to show too much of your gum. Oftentimes availed by patients to achieve a cosmetically beautiful smile.
- Bone graft surgery
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapies
If your periodontal infection is mild, you can always opt for non-surgical periodontal therapies! These include the following:
- Use of periodontal appliances like bite guards
- Setting appointments for regular maintenance cleaning
- Soft tissue biopsy
- Diagnosis of oral lesions
- Deep cleaning of the gums to reduce inflammation and bacteria debris located at the gum line
- Bite adjustment
- Taking prescription-issued antibiotics to prevent infections below the gum line
Know Whether You Need Gum Surgery in Seattle
Having a great beautiful smile does not only mean you have aesthetically beautiful teeth, sometimes it means showing off pink and happy gums. At Love your Smile, we take pride in taking care of your gums and teeth. Prioritizing your dental health over anything else is our goal. Contact our friendly team for more information!
