• Initial Cleaning: Treatment often begins with a detailed cleaning, including scaling to remove plaque and tartar under the gum line. Tooth roots may be planed to smoothen them, which helps gums heal and reattach to the teeth. Bite adjustments might also be necessary.
• Antibiotics and Antimicrobials: To control bacteria and periodontitis, we may suggest antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses. Sometimes antibiotics are applied directly into periodontal pockets post-scaling and planing to aid healing and infection control.
• Surgical Interventions: For deep pockets between teeth and gums that can’t be cleaned regularly, surgery may become necessary to maintain periodontal health.

Just like a snug turtleneck should fit comfortably around your neck, healthy bone and gum tissue are meant to fit tightly around your teeth. However, periodontal disease can erode this support, creating “pockets” akin to a loosened fabric that invite bacterial growth and infection.

These pockets deepen over time, creating more room for harmful bacteria to thrive, which aren’t typically found in a healthy mouth. These bacteria trigger gum inflammation, leading to further tissue and bone damage that supports the teeth. Without intervention, significant bone loss may lead to tooth extraction.

At your initial examination and subsequent check-ups, we’ll measure your pocket depths to determine their health. Should deep pockets be present, a pocket reduction procedure might be suggested to correct this issue and restore shallow, healthier pockets. Shallow pockets are synonymous with dental longevity and can be maintained with proper at-home care and regular professional upkeep.

Pocket reduction is a straightforward outpatient surgery where our specialists carefully pull back the gum tissue, clear out the harmful bacteria and tartar, and then secure the tissue back in place. Sometimes, we also smooth any damaged bone to limit future bacterial hideouts, promoting reattachment of the gums to healthy bone.

Periodontal regeneration is a cornerstone of advanced dental care, aimed at reversing the damage caused by periodontal disease. This innovative procedure goes beyond merely treating the symptoms; it actively encourages the body to rebuild lost bone and soft tissue that support the teeth.

Utilizing a variety of techniques, including bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins, periodontal regeneration stimulates the body’s innate healing abilities to restore the structures that anchor teeth in place. The ultimate goal is to recreate lost periodontal structures, solidify the foundation of your teeth, and return your smile to its natural health and stability.

This restorative process is a beacon of hope for those suffering from the debilitating effects of advanced gum disease, offering a chance to reclaim oral health and functionality.