A periodontist is an expert in the structures that support your teeth and gums. They can perform surgeries such as flap surgery and pocket reduction to eradicate bacteria and restore weakened tissue and bone. They also use gum graft techniques to cover exposed roots and reduce tooth sensitivity, and they can help people with gummy smiles recontoure their gum tissue. A periodontist near me can reshape your gum and bone tissue to expose more of your natural teeth. They can also encourage growth of new gum tissue to repair damage. They can perform bone grafting to implant pieces of your own bone or artificial material to promote regeneration where your own bone has worn away due to periodontitis.
Gum Contouring Surgery
Gum contouring surgery reduces the risk of periodontal problems like gingivitis and deterioration of the teeth by removing bacteria hiding under the gum line. It also minimizes unattractive “gummy smiles” by reshaping the gumline.
During the procedure, you remain awake and receive local anesthesia to ensure comfort. The provider will evaluate your current gum line and consider factors such as the tooth-to-gum ratio, lip position and facial bone structure to achieve the desired symmetry and balance.
Your recovery typically calls for a few days of rest and soft foods such as soup, Jell-O, applesauce and yogurt to avoid irritation of the sensitive tissue. Your dentist or gum specialist may recommend a saline rinse and a soft-bristled brush to keep the area clean.
Gum Grafting Surgery
Gum grafting surgery can significantly improve your smile by covering exposed tooth roots, reducing root sensitivity and lowering infection risks. This treatment is done in-office as an outpatient procedure. Patients are placed under local anesthetic to ensure comfort.
A connective tissue graft is the most common method used to treat root exposure. Periodontists will fold back the gum tissue and remove a strip of connective tissue from underneath — called subepithelial connective tissue. The graft is then stitched to the exposed root. A pedicle graft is also a good option for treating root exposure, but this type of graft requires that there is sufficient gum tissue immediately lateral to the affected area.
Dental Implants
Dental implants look, feel, fit and function like healthy natural teeth. They can restore a full smile, give confidence and encourage people to take better care of their oral health.
Dental implants replace the tooth root as well as the crown and stimulate bone growth in the jaw to prevent sagging and other problems. They also make chewing more natural and eliminate the pain and discomfort associated with dentures.
Our surgeons numb the area with a local anesthetic, make a small opening in the gum tissue and then place the implant. They can then attach abutments (connecting pieces) and final restorations to the implants.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, puffy gums that bleed when you brush or floss. Left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, which destroys the supporting bone and makes teeth loose. Treatment options include professional dental cleanings and a daily routine of brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis Treatment
During this procedure, a periodontist folds back your gum tissue and removes bacteria hiding underneath. They may also perform root planing to smooth the surface of your tooth roots and make it more difficult for bacteria to hide. This treatment may cause some bleeding and sensitivity, but these symptoms typically go away soon after.
Gum graft surgery is a common treatment for periodontitis that causes gum recession. This procedure involves taking gum tissue from the roof of your mouth or a tissue bank to cover and safeguard exposed teeth roots.
A gum graft can help you avoid tooth loss, improve your oral health, and reduce your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications. It is best done in combination with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings.
Dental Abscess Treatment
Same-day treatment of a tooth abscess reduces the risk of serious systemic health problems. It also prevents the infection from damaging the surrounding teeth, bone and gum tissue over time.
Dental abscesses are caused by bacterial infections. Symptoms include throbbing pain, redness in the mouth, bad breath, food sensitivities and gum or facial swelling. To treat the abscess, your dentist will make an incision and drain the pus (containing bacteria). Then, a root canal or periodontal surgery may be performed to remove the infected tooth or to clean the gum pocket. The dentist will prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection and prevent complications.