Periodontal & Gum Care

Periodontal Care

Periodontal care refers to the treatment and maintenance of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth to prevent and manage gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This care often begins with a deep cleaning procedure, called scaling and root planning, which removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to encourage gum reattachment and healing.

Periodontal care may also include regular maintenance cleanings, antibacterial treatments, and, in advanced cases, surgical interventions to repair damaged tissues. Effective periodontal care is essential for preventing tooth loss, reducing inflammation, and maintaining overall oral health, as untreated gum disease can lead to serious complications, including bone loss and systemic health issues.

Laser Therapy

Experience the future of dentistry with our advanced dental laser therapy. This minimally invasive treatment uses precise laser technology to address a variety of dental concerns, from treating gum disease and removing bacteria to reshaping gum tissue and promoting faster healing. Laser therapy is highly effective for treating tongue and lip ties (frenectomies), offering a gentle release of restrictive tissue that can improve speech, feeding, and overall oral function with minimal discomfort and faster recovery. Additionally, dental lasers can quickly and painlessly treat cold sores, reducing healing time, minimizing discomfort, and even preventing future outbreaks in the treated area. Whether you're looking to improve gum health, correct tongue or lip ties, or find relief from cold sores, our laser treatments provide safe, efficient solutions tailored to your needs.

Gum Surgeries

Gum surgery, also known as periodontal surgery, is performed to treat gum disease, repair damaged gums, or enhance their appearance. It becomes necessary when non-surgical treatments fail to address periodontal issues effectively. Various types of gum surgery include gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery), bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and crown lengthening. These procedures can help restore gum health, reduce pockets between the gums and teeth, and improve overall oral health and aesthetics.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure used to treat gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This condition can lead to increased sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, and aesthetic concerns. The primary goal of gum grafting is to restore the gum line and protect the tooth roots. During the procedure, a dentist or periodontist removes a small piece of gum tissue from another area of the mouth, often the palate, or uses donor tissue.

Common methods include connective tissue grafts, where tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and stitched beneath the gum at the site of recession; free gingival grafts, which involve taking tissue directly from the roof of the mouth; and pedicle grafts, where tissue is taken from a nearby gum area while still attached. Gum grafting effectively restores gum tissue and enhances the aesthetics of the smile while preventing further recession and associated dental issues.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a surgical procedure aimed at promoting the healing and regeneration of periodontal tissues, such as bone and soft tissue, following damage from periodontal disease. The primary goal of GTR is to restore the structures around the teeth. During the procedure, a dentist or periodontist creates a small incision to access the affected area and places a barrier membrane between the gum tissue and underlying bone. This membrane prevents fast-growing cells from the gum tissue from interfering with the slower-growing cells essential for bone regeneration, encouraging the growth of bone and connective tissue.

GTR is often performed alongside other treatments, like bone grafting, and is effective in cases of advanced periodontal disease, helping to restore lost structures and improve oral health.

Pocket Reduction Therapy

Pocket reduction therapy, also known as flap surgery, is a surgical procedure aimed at treating periodontal disease by reducing the depth of gum pockets that form between the teeth and gums. These pockets can trap bacteria and plaque, complicating oral hygiene efforts. During the procedure, a dentist or periodontist makes an incision to lift a flap of gum tissue, allowing access to clean the root surfaces of the teeth and remove tartar and infected tissue.

The gums are then sutured back in place, creating a tighter seal around the teeth. This therapy improves access for cleaning, reduces gum inflammation, and may promote bone regeneration. It is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease when non-surgical treatments have not been effective, helping to restore gum health and prevent tooth loss.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a dental surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue and, in some cases, bone to expose more of a tooth’s structure. It is typically performed for aesthetic reasons or to facilitate restorative work when a tooth is damaged or decayed below the gum line. During the procedure, a dentist or periodontist makes an incision to access the area around the affected tooth, removes the excess gum tissue, and may reshape bone as needed. This allows for better visibility of the tooth structure, making it easier to place a crown or filling.

Crown lengthening can also improve the appearance of a "gummy smile," leading to a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. Overall, it enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of the teeth, making it an important option in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Gum Reshaping

Gum reshaping, or gum contouring, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to improve the appearance of the gums. It is often sought by individuals with uneven gum lines or excessive gum tissue, resulting in a "gummy smile." During the procedure, a dentist or periodontist removes excess gum tissue to create a more balanced and symmetrical gum line, often using local anesthesia for comfort.

Gum reshaping can be performed alone or alongside other dental treatments, enhancing overall smile aesthetics and improving oral hygiene by making it easier to clean around the teeth. Overall, it is a quick and effective way to boost confidence and enhance one's smile.

Cold Sores

A dental office can provide several effective treatments and management strategies for cold sores, also known as herpes labialis, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). While dental professionals cannot cure the virus, they can help alleviate symptoms, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and promote faster healing. Our dentists can accurately diagnose cold sores based on their clinical appearance and the patient’s history, differentiating them from other conditions that may affect the lips or mouth.

We also offer laser therapy as a treatment option for cold sores. This non-invasive procedure can help reduce pain, promote faster healing, and minimize the duration of the outbreak by targeting the virus and stimulating tissue repair. Our clinical staff can also provide education, preventative tips, and pain management tips for cold sores.