A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease. Most are also skilled at replacing missing teeth with dental implants.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Description

PERIODONTAL TREATMENT: NONSURGICAL OPTIONS
Scaling and root planing
Antibiotics
Bite correction
Splinting

PERIODONTAL TREATMENT: SURGICAL OPTIONS
Flap surgery
Bone (Osseous) surgery
Guided tissue and Bone regeneration
Bone graft
Soft tissue graft

A SILENT DISEASE
You could have periodontal disease and not even know it. That's because periodontal disease is "silent" -it often has no symptoms. This is true even in the late stages of the disease. Periodontal disease can destroy the soft tissues and bone thet support the teeth. But with regular checkups, the infection can be caught early and treated. This offers the best results.

PERIODONTAL TREATMENT: NONSURGICAL OPTIONS

Scaling and root planing
Scaling is a type of cleaning. It removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and slightly below the gumline. Root planing smooths root surfaces. Ultrasonic instruments may be used during these procedures. These instruments use sound waves to remove deposits from teeth. A local anesthetic may also used to keep you free from pain.

Antibiotics
To reduce the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, you may be given antibiotics in pill form. Or may have antibiotics materials such as gels or chips applied directly to the infected pocket. In some cases, an antibacterial mouth rinse is prescribed to help control plaque.

Bite correction
Problems with your bite may increase bone damage and loss. You may be given a bite guard. This is a removable device that fits over upper or lower teeth. It's used to protect tooth surfaces and relax tense jaw muscles. In some cases can be adjusted so that teeth meet properly and function better.

Splinting
If treatment has saved your teeth, but they are still loose because of bone loss, they may be splinted. This technique connects weak teeth, combining them into a stronger single unit. This makes them more stable, and makes you more comfortable.

Flossing
Daily flossing removes plaque from between teeth and under the gumline, where brushing can't reach. Floss ate least once a day, using the type of floss suggested by your doctor. Be sure to floss both sides of each tooth. You can floss before or afyer brushing.

Brushing
Careful and regular brushing removes plaque. It also increases
circulation in gum tissue. Use a small, soft, angled brush with
rounded bristles. Replace the brush whenever it gets worn or frayed.
Brush at least twice a day. And be sure to clean all tooth surfaces
thoroughly.

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PERIODONTAL TREATMENT: SURGICAL OPTIONS

Flap surgery
The gum is gently separated from the tooth, creating a flap and access to the infected pocket. Deep deposits of plaque and tartar can then be removed. It also reduces the pocket and the areas where bacteria can grow. Little or no gum tissue is removed.

Bone (Osseous) surgery
This procedure is used to smooth shallow craters in the bone due to mild or moderate bone loss. First, flap surgery is done to reach the damaged bone. Then your doctor reshapes the bone around the tooth to decrease the craters. This makes it harder for bacteria to collect and grow.

Guided tissue and Bone regeneration
This help keep unwanted gum tissue away from the tooth and bone. Ligament fibers can then regrow and bone can reform to better support the tooth.

Bone graft
They fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or bone from a bone bank are placed where bone was lost. These grafts serve as a platform for the regrowth of bone. This restores stability to your teeth.

Soft tissue graft
Soft tissue is added to reinforce thin gums or to fill places where gums have receded. Grafted tissue, most often taken from the roof of your mouth, is stitched in place over the affected area. Stitches dissolve or are removed.

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