Do You Need Periodontal Therapy?

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gumDFor some people regardless of how well they take care of their teeth and gums, they are destined to get periodontal disease due to genetics. More men than women get periodontal disease because more men skimp on their dental health compared to women. But, what if your dad has periodontal disease and it is not because he skipped out on his dental appointments and skimped on his home oral hygiene? What if periodontal disease runs in your family? Do you know if you need periodontal therapy?

What is Periodontal Therapy?

There are two types of periodontal therapy: non-surgical and surgical.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: Non-surgical therapy consists of a deep cleaning, called a scaling and root planing, to remove pathogenic bacterial plaque and tartar from below the gumline.  This works to reduce inflammation and provide a smooth, clean, healthy surface to which the gingival tissue can reattach to. Once gum disease reaches the advanced stages it can be treated but not cured. Therefore, regular periodontal cleanings are required to control its progression.

Surgical Periodontal Therapy: There are many types of surgery that may be required once periodontal disease reaches its severest stage. Flap surgery consists of cutting the gingival tissue and flipping it back to open the area so it can be cleaned thoroughly. The gingival flaps are then sutured back into place. Other surgical procedures include:

  • Pocket Reduction Surgery: Reduces gingival pockets
  • Bone Graft Surgery: Rebuilds jawbone in preparation for implants
  • Tissue Regeneration: Regenerates hard and soft tissue
  • Gingival Grafting: Soft tissue grafts
  • Implants: Replaces missing teeth due to periodontal disease
  • Ridge Augmentation: Builds up the natural contour of the jawbone
  • Crown Lengthening: Re-contours gingival tissue to provide more tooth surface

About your Des Moines Dentist

The Gateway Dental Group provides comprehensive dental treatments including general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Burds also has extensive experience helping his patients suffering from sleep disorders obtain restful sleep via oral appliance therapy. You can contact Dr. Stephen J. Burds office at 515-442-5659. We welcome patients from River Bend, Kirkwood Glen, East Village, and neighboring communities.