PERIODONTAL
More than 50 percent of Americans are afflicted with periodontal (gum) disease. Gingivitis, an early form of periodontal disease, can ultimately lead to severe damage to your teeth, and even tooth loss. But, even more seriously, gum disease can contribute to a significantly higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other conditions that affect your overall health. There is no cure for gum disease; however, the effects of it can be greatly reduced, and with early treatment, problems stemming from gum disease can be prevented from occurring later.
REGENERATIVE PROCEDURES
Periodontal disease is an extremely serious progressive condition which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease occurs when a bacterial infection in the gum pockets causes the bone and gum tissue to recede away from the teeth. The quality and quantity of bone and gum tissue is greatly reduced as the gum pockets continue to deepen. Fortunately, prompt diagnosis combined with effective regenerative procedures can halt the progression of the disease and save the teeth. There are many regenerative dental procedures available to restore health to the gums, bone and teeth. The following are the most commonly used regenerative procedures:
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING (DEEP CLEANING)
Scaling and root planing remove accumulated tartar and prevent future buildup. A local anesthetic is administered prior to treatment to prevent discomfort. Scaling involves the removal of plaque from the tooth below the gumline using a tiny metal tool. Once the tartar is cleared away, root planing is performed to smooth the root of the tooth, making it difficult for plaque to adhere to its surface. These techniques allow a dentist to completely clean the infected area so that it may heal.
GUM DRAFT SURGERY
Bacterial infections in the gums often lead to gum recession, exposing more of the teeth and weakening your mouth’s defenses against further damage. Severe infections, gum recession, and the risks to teeth and underlying bone structure cannot be reversed with improved dental hygiene habits, and some type of gum surgery will be necessary to restore periodontal health. Our dental team in Tijuana can perform a gum grafting procedure to address these issues and renew both the health and appearance of your gums. During gum grafting treatment, donor tissue (typically taken from the roof of your mouth) will be transferred to the areas severely affected by gum recession. Over time, the gum grafts will seal themselves to the gum and cover exposed roots, ultimately leading to a healthier-looking set of teeth and gums. This procedure can also be helpful for patients who have sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages. If you live in a California city such as San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or other cities in the USA and need periodontal treatment, contact our office to learn more about your treatment options. We look forward to helping you.
CROWN LENGTHENING
Through the crown lengthening procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to reveal a larger portion of your natural tooth. Our dentists in Tijuana may recommend the procedure to aid in a restorative or cosmetic dental procedure. Occasionally, it is necessary for your gum and bone levels to be altered in order to expose a tooth that needs work. Certain instances where crown lengthening is necessary include when a tooth is decayed, broken past the gumline, or lacks an adequate amount of structure for a restoration, such as a porcelain crown or bridge.
POCKET REDUCTION SURGERY
The aim of pocket reduction surgery is to reduce the depth of the gum pockets and make it much harder for bacteria to invade the gum tissue. Initially, the gum tissue is pulled back from the teeth and the subgingival area is thoroughly cleansed under local anesthesia. Extensive scraping may be required to fully remove the plaque, debris and tartar from below the gum line. An antimicrobial agent may then be applied to the affected area to kill any remaining bacteria, and the surgical site will be sutured closed. Pocket reduction surgery is very effective for halting tissue loss and promoting the natural healing of the gums.