Periodontal Therapy in Spring, Tx
Periodontal therapy can take various forms, but the goal is always to restore diseased tissues to health. Gum (periodontal) disease can spread from the gums to the bone that supports the teeth, and may even cause tooth loss in the most severe cases. There are very effective therapies to combat this, ranging from scalings (deep cleanings) that remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from beneath the gum line, to surgical repair of lost gum and bone tissue.
Periodontal Therapy Procedures
Periodontal therapy includes both surgical and non-surgical techniques to restore health to the tissues that support the teeth (gums and bone) and prevent tooth loss. They include
Scaling and Root Planning. These deep-cleaning techniques are the best starting point to control gum disease. Plaque and calculus (tartar) are removed from beneath the gum tissues, using hand scalers and/or ultrasonic instruments.
Gum Grafting. Sometimes it’s necessary to replace areas of lost gum tissue so that tooth roots are adequately protected. This can be accomplished by taking healthy gum tissue from one area of the mouth and moving it to where it is needed, or by using laboratory-processed donor tissue.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery. When used to describe surgery, the word “plastic” refers to any reshaping procedure that creates a more pleasing appearance of the gum tissues.
Periodontal Laser Treatment. Removing diseased gum tissue with lasers can offer significant advantages over conventional surgery, such as less discomfort and gum shrinkage.
Crown Lengthening Surgery. This is a surgical procedure in which tooth structure that is covered by gum and bone tissue may need to be exposed either for cosmetic reasons (too make the teeth look longer and the smile less gummy) or to aid in securing a new dental crown.
Dental Implants. Today’s preferred method of tooth replacement is a titanium dental implant, which is placed beneath the gum line and into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. The implant is then attached to a realistic-looking dental crown that is visible above the gum line and indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
Your Role in Periodontal Health
Of course, there are some areas of the mouth that a toothbrush and floss just can’t reach, which is why it’s so important to have regular professional cleanings at the dental office. Your regular dental exam is also a time when early signs of gum disease can be detected — before they become apparent even to you.
Eating a nutritious diet low in sugar, and staying away from tobacco in all forms, will also increase your periodontal health — and your chances of keeping your teeth for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called periodontal plastic surgery if it's not cosmetic plastic surgery?
In dentistry, plastic just means reshaping. Periodontal plastic surgery refers to procedures that improve how your gum tissue looks, not anything related to cosmetic plastic surgery.
What's the difference between scaling and root planing versus surgery?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar below the gum line. Surgery comes when the disease has already damaged the gum or bone tissue itself.
Can brushing too hard actually damage my gums?
Yes. Aggressive brushing can cause your gums to recede over time, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to protect.
Why would I need gum grafting instead of just treating the infection?
Once gum tissue is lost, it doesn’t grow back on its own. Grafting replaces that tissue, so your tooth roots stay properly protected.
Is laser treatment better than traditional gum surgery?
For many patients, yes. Laser treatment often means less discomfort and less gum shrinkage compared to conventional surgical methods.
Why would someone need crown lengthening surgery if they're not getting a crown?
Crown lengthening isn’t always about crowns. It’s sometimes done purely to expose more visible tooth structure and reduce a gummy smile.
My gums don't hurt, so why do I need regular exams?
Early gum disease often has no symptoms you’d notice on your own. Regular exams catch it before it progresses to something more serious.