A periodontist is a dental specialist who is trained to detect and treat gum disease. A periodontist treats the various effects of gum problems and help restore or revive healthy oral hygiene. Periodontal disease affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to teeth loosening, loss of teeth, gum discomfort and receding gums. Sticky, colorless plaque, which is a bacteria, is constantly forming on your teeth and is the main cause of periodontal disease. Other factors that contribute to periodontal disease and its progression include: smoking or tobacco use, genetics, pregnancy and puberty, stress, poor nutrition, medications, poor nutrition and other systemic diseases.

Following are some of the procedures that periodontists use to combat gum disease.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical periodontal treatment plans may include scaling and root planing (a thorough cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus or tartar from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins). Typically your periodontist will incorporate follow-up therapy that includes antimicrobial medications and such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.

After scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment. However, most patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health.

Surgical Treatments

If your periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatments, surgical procedures may be prescribed to ensure oral health, including:

• Crown lengthening,
• Regenerative procedures,
• Soft tissue grafts, or
• Pocket Reduction.

Cosmetic Procedures

Orlando Periodontics delivers state-of-the-art procedures that might also be called "smile enhancers." For example, crown lengthening can be use to correct "gummy smiles" or uneven smile lines. Soft tissue grafts and other root-covering procedures are used to cover exposed roots that look unappealing and may lead to root decay.

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. Implants are a more natural looking option compared to dentures or bridges because implants look and feel just like your own teeth. They also allow you to speak and eat with comfort and confidence.

Sedation

Orlando Periodontics knows the high level of anxiety and pain that some patients may experience while undergoing dental procedures. We use sedation techniques to reduce fear and apprehension commonly associated with periodontic treatments and to manage pain during dental appointments. Most patients are totally relaxed and often have little or no memory of their extensive dental treatments. The results include patients receive a higher quality of care, more complex treatment in less time and leave our office feeling less tired.

Call today to set up an appointment to get a periodontal evaluation. Our professionals will prescribe appropriate therapies based upon your individual needs.