Common Periodontic Procedures and Treatments

There are all sorts of treatments and procedures that fall under the umbrella of periodontics. They range from fairly complex surgeries to scaling and root planing, tray delivery systems and beyond.

Below, we take a look at some of the most common periodontic procedures and treatments that we perform at Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ.

Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment

Not all periodontal treatment involves a surgery of some sort. As an example, the earliest stages of gum disease require periodontal treatments in the form of deep cleanings and scaling and root planing (as defined below) to eliminate as much plaque and tartar from the periodontal pockets as possible. This also serves to smooth the root of the tooth to get rid of those nasty toxins. The next step of treatment is adjunctive therapy like antibiotics or antimicrobials.

Scaling and Root Planing

This process is a precise cleaning of the root surfaces to eliminate plaque and tartar. Scaling and root planing also combats bacterial toxins. It is sometimes followed with adjunctive therapy like systemic antibiotics or host modulation. The majority of periodontists agree that many patients will not require additional treatment following scaling and root planing yet ongoing maintenance therapy will be necessary to sustain health.

Periodontics‘ Tray Delivery Systems

Nowadays, impressions are taken of the patient’s mouth to craft a tray delivery system. The impressions allow for the creation of such a customized tray that the patient can use at home for medication delivery as prescribed by the dentist. These periodontics trays are similar to the traditional dentists’ fluoride trays used to combat tooth decay. Such drug delivery systems are considered a successful adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Dental Implants

The placement of dental implants involves the use of an artificial tooth root. This root is placed in the jaw where it connects to the jawbone in a process referred to as osseointegration. An artificial tooth is connected to the implant post following the healing period.

Regeneration

Regeneration is a periodontal surgical procedure in which the periodontist folds back gum tissue to eliminate bacteria. Everything from membranes to proteins that stimulate tissue to bone grafts can be used to kick-start the body’s inherent ability to regenerate bone as well as tissue.

Soft Tissue Grafting

This periodontic surgery requires the use of gum tissue outside of the area to be treated. Gum tissue is taken from the palate or another source and used to cover the root that is exposed. Soft tissue grafting can be performed on one or many teeth to even the gum line and minimize sensitivity.

Gingivectomy

Also known as gingival sculpting or crown lengthening, this is a periodontal surgery in which extra tissue is eliminated under local anesthesia. The gums typically heal in about a week’s time. The end result is a re-shaping of the unnecessary gum and bone tissue to expose the natural tooth. This periodontics procedure also evens the gum line when applied to a single tooth. If performed on several teeth, it will provide a lovely broad smile.