Most people don’t know what periodontal disease is, but it’s the most common dental problem in the entire world. You might have heard it called another name—gum disease. This is a bacterial infection that specifically attacks the supporting structures of the teeth, and that’s why it’s the leading cause of adult tooth loss here in the US! Fortunately, Dr. Doctor is specially trained to find and treat gum disease right here in Arlington. At the earliest sign of trouble, he can provide proven periodontal therapy at Arlington Dental Professionals that is specifically designed to remove this troublesome bacteria and keep your smile safe.
If you address your gum disease before it becomes severe, scaling and root planing may be the only treatment you need. However, as with any dental procedure, after-care is vital. To keep your teeth in good shape and resist future occurrences of gum disease, you must brush and floss daily, eat a healthy diet, avoid tobacco use, and have regular dental checkups. Even after a successful scaling and root planing, if you don't attend to your teeth properly, it's quite likely that you'll develop gum disease again.
If the tissue or bone surrounding your teeth is too damaged to be repaired with non-surgical treatment, several surgical procedures are available to prevent severe damage and to restore a healthy smile. We will recommend the procedure that is best suited to the condition of your teeth and gums.
The following is a list of common types of periodontal treatments and surgeries that are available in our office to help with gum disease, recession due to bacteria, aggressive brushing, clenching and grinding or issues denture wearers have concerning retention:
- Bacteria testing:
Bacteria testing, also known as microbial testing or bacterial analysis, is a diagnostic procedure that is used to identify the specific types of bacteria present in a patient's mouth. This testing is often performed as part of the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.
The process of bacteria testing typically involves taking a sample of plaque or saliva from the patient's mouth. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the lab, the sample is cultured, meaning that the bacteria are grown in a special medium that allows them to reproduce and be identified.
Once the bacteria have been identified, Dr. Doctor can use this information to develop a personalized treatment plan for the patient. This may involve prescribing specific antibiotics or antimicrobial agents that target the specific types of bacteria present in the patient's mouth.
Bacteria testing can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment over time. By repeating the testing after treatment has been completed, Dr. Doctor can determine if the treatment was successful in reducing or eliminating the harmful bacteria in the patient's mouth.
Overall, bacteria testing is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps Dr. Doctor provide more effective and personalized treatment for his patients with periodontal disease. The process is usually quick and painless for the patient.
- Deep Cleaning / Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical dental procedure used to treat periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. The procedure involves removing the buildup of bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums and smoothing the roots of the teeth to prevent further buildup.
During the procedure, our Dental Hygienist uses special instruments to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that has accumulated above and below the gumline. This helps to eliminate the bacteria that are causing the infection and prevent further damage to the gums and bones.
Once the scaling process is complete, our Dental Hygienist will then begin the root planing process. This involves smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to remove any rough spots that might attract bacteria and cause further infection.
Deep cleaning may require multiple visits depending on the severity of the periodontal disease. Patients are typically given a local anesthetic to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable.
After the procedure, patients may experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days. Dr. Doctor and our Dental Hygienist will provide instructions for proper oral care, including brushing and flossing techniques, and may recommend the use of antimicrobial mouthwash or other products to help reduce the risk of infection.
Overall, deep cleaning is an effective treatment option for periodontal disease that can help to stop the progression of the disease and promote healing of the gums and bones.
- Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a non-surgical dental procedure that can be used to treat periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. This procedure uses a specialized dental laser to remove diseased tissue and promote healing in the gums and bones. Typically, this procedure is performed in conjunction with scaling and root planing appointments. The laser is also able to target the pockets of bacteria that have formed in the gum tissue, effectively eliminating them, and preventing further infection.
Laser therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is generally well-tolerated by our patients. The procedure can be completed in a single visit and does not require any incisions or sutures. Additionally, laser therapy is generally less painful than traditional surgical treatments, and patients typically experience less discomfort and a faster recovery time.
After laser therapy, patients may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, but this typically resolves within a few days. The dental professional will provide instructions for proper oral care, including brushing and flossing techniques, and may recommend the use of antimicrobial mouthwash or other products to help reduce the risk of infection.
- Pocket reduction
In a healthy mouth, the teeth are firmly surrounded by gum tissue and securely supported by the bones of the jaw. Periodontal disease damages these tissues and bones, leaving open spaces around the teeth that we call pockets. The larger these pockets are, the easier it is for bacteria to collect inside them, leading to more and more damage over time. Eventually the supportive structure degrades to the point that the tooth either falls out or needs to be removed.
During pocket reduction procedures (also known as “flap surgery”), we fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria hiding underneath, as well as the hardened plaque and tartar that have collected. We may also remove any tissue that is too damaged to survive. We then sew the healthy tissue back into place. Now that the tooth and root are free of bacteria, plaque, and tartar, and the pockets have been reduced, the gums can reattach to the teeth.
- Pinhole surgery
The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to treat gum recession, a condition where the gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth, exposing the root surface.
During the procedure, Dr. Ravi Doctor will first make a small pinhole in the gum tissue using a specialized tool. Next, Dr. Doctor will use special instruments to gently loosen the gum tissue and slide it over the exposed root of the tooth. Once the tissue in the targeted area has been released, Dr. Doctor will place small pieces of collagen soaked in Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) under the gum tissue to help stabilize it in its new position.
The PST procedure is minimally invasive and does not require any sutures or incisions. This means that our patients typically experience less pain, swelling, and bleeding than with traditional gum surgery techniques.
Another benefit of the PST procedure is that it can treat multiple teeth in a single visit. This means that patients can achieve optimal results with fewer appointments, reducing the overall time and cost of treatment.
- Connective tissue grafting
Connective tissue grafting is a surgical dental procedure that is used to treat gum recession, a condition where the gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth, exposing the root surface. The procedure involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and using it to cover the exposed root of the tooth.
The connective tissue grafting appointment usually begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the area where the graft will be taken from and the area where the graft will be placed. The dentist will then create an incision in the roof of the mouth and remove a small piece of tissue from the subepithelial connective tissue layer.
Once the tissue has been removed, Dr. Doctor will make a second incision in the gum tissue near the area where the gum has receded, creating a small flap. The tissue that was removed from the roof of the mouth will then be placed over the exposed root of the tooth and secured in place with sutures.
After the procedure, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding, which can be managed with pain medication and by following Dr. Doctor’s post-operative instructions. Patients will need to follow a strict oral hygiene routine to ensure proper healing and to prevent infection.
The healing process for connective tissue grafting can take several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient's healing time. Dr. Doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the healing and to remove the sutures once the tissue has fully healed.
Overall, connective tissue grafting is an effective treatment option for gum recession that can help to prevent further damage to the gums and teeth, while improving the overall appearance of the smile.
- Free gingival grafting
Free gingival grafting is a dental surgical procedure that is used to treat gum recession, a condition where the gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth, exposing the root surface. The procedure involves taking a small piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth and using it to thicken the gum tissue around the teeth.
The free gingival grafting procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to numb the area where the graft will be taken from and the area where the graft will be placed. Dr. Doctor will then make an incision in the roof of the mouth and remove a small piece of tissue from the top layer of the palate.
Once the tissue has been removed, Dr. Doctor will create a second incision in the gum tissue near the area where the gum has receded, creating a small flap. The tissue that was removed from the roof of the mouth will then be placed over the exposed root of the tooth and secured in place with sutures.
After the procedure, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding, which can be managed with pain medication and by following Dr. Doctor’s post-operative instructions. Patients will need to follow a strict oral hygiene routine to ensure proper healing and to prevent infection.
The healing process for free gingival grafting can take several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient's healing time. Dr. Doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the healing and to remove the sutures once the tissue has fully healed.
One of the main benefits of free gingival grafting is that it can help to prevent further damage to the gums and teeth, while improving the overall appearance of the smile. The procedure can also help to reduce tooth sensitivity and make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
While the procedure does involve some discomfort and a longer healing time than some other treatments, the benefits can be significant for patients with advanced gum recession. Dr. Ravi Doctor is experienced in performing this procedure and can work with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their individual needs and goals.
- Vestibuloplasty
Vestibuloplasty is a dental surgical procedure used to restore the depth of the gingival sulcus or the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. In the case of dentures, Vestibuloplasty is used to create a deeper and wider space in the gum tissue to provide better support and retention of the dentures.
When a patient has lost teeth, the jawbone begins to resorb, and the gum tissue may recede, resulting in a shallower vestibule, or space between the cheeks and the teeth. This can make it difficult to wear dentures comfortably and securely.
During a Vestibuloplasty procedure, Dr. Doctor will make incisions in the gum tissue to create flaps that can be raised to access the underlying bone. Dr. Doctor will then remove any excess bone or tissue to create a deeper and wider vestibule. This deeper vestibule will provide a better foundation for dentures, allowing for a more secure fit and improved retention.
After the procedure, the patient may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding, which can be managed with pain medication and by following Dr. Doctor’s post-operative instructions. Patients will need to follow a strict oral hygiene routine to ensure proper healing and to prevent infection.
