Surgical Treatment Of Periodontal Disease
Naperville Periodontics
A variety of procedures can be used to treat periodontal disease. If the gum disease cannot be adequately controlled with non-surgical therapy, periodontal surgery may be recommended. Surgical procedures facilitate better access to the roots, allowing your periodontist to remove the irritating plaque and tartar and to reduce the depths of unhealthy pockets. The depth of these pockets can be reduced by decreasing the inflammation, removing the pocket tissue, or repairing the damaged bone and gums. Proper evaluation will allow for the appropriate treatment.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Pocket reduction surgery is a group of surgical procedures that includes osseous surgery, gingivectomy and flap surgery. These procedures gain access to the roots of the teeth. The teeth are then thoroughly cleaned. Diseased tissue can be removed and damaged bone can be smoothed, allowing for optimal healing.
The long term goals of pocket reduction surgery include creating healthy gum tissue with minimal pocketing, facilitating home care, and preventing further bone loss. After treatment, good oral hygiene and regular cleanings are essential in maintaining oral health.
Bone Regenerative Procedures
During periodontal disease the supporting bone and tissues are destroyed. If left untreated, receding bone can lead to tooth loss. In selected sites, some of the bone lost by periodontal disease can be regenerated. A variety of regenerative materials are available to enhance your body’s ability to grow bone and tissue. Often, bone grafting particles obtained from a bone bank are utilized. Membranes can be used to hold the bone particles around the tooth. Tissue stimulating proteins and growth factors can be applied to boost the healing process.
The procedure involves folding back the gum tissue. The area is then thoroughly cleaned and diseased tissue is removed. The space around the tooth, where the bone and other supporting structures have been lost, is subsequently filled with the regenerative material. Afterwards, the bone can take several months to reform. During that time, good oral hygiene and regular cleanings are imperative.
