Periodontal Therapy in San Antonio TX

Periodontal therapy refers to treatments and procedures aimed at preventing, managing, and treating gum disease. Periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to infection and tooth loss.

There are several types of non-surgical gum disease treatment. We offer periodontal therapy to treat gum disease without the need for invasive surgery, which is a last resort when all other options have failed.

Phases of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

If you suspect you have gum disease, an initial assessment by Dr. Lee or Dr. Hachem is crucial. We evaluate your oral health through visual examination, X-rays, and measurement of the periodontal (gum) pockets around the teeth. After discussing any risk factors and your medical history, we will recommend the non-surgical gum disease treatment appropriate for you.

Dental Prophylaxis

Dental prophylaxis is what most people consider routine dental cleaning. You should get a professional dental cleaning from a dental hygienist twice a year. This removes plaque and mild tartar above the gum line to prevent gum disease from developing. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can often be reversed with dental prophylaxis. Some patients may need dental prophylaxis more frequently to keep bacteria under control and prevent the development of infection pockets around the base of the teeth.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are usually done as a combination treatment for infected gums. To minimize discomfort, we administer a local anesthetic to numb the treated areas. Scaling is the first step. We use manual dental tools and ultrasonic scalers to loosen and remove deposits of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gum line. The loosened material is then flushed away with water.

Root planing smooths the roughened surface on the roots of the teeth. Smoothing the roots removes bacterial toxins and provides a clean, smooth surface to encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth. As the gums reattach, the periodontal pockets around the base of the teeth grow smaller, preventing future buildup of plaque and tartar.

Scaling and root planing are typically done in sections of the mouth to ensure thorough cleaning and allow for proper healing. It is an effective treatment for early to moderate stages of gum disease. It can help prevent the progression of periodontal disease, reducing the need for more invasive procedures such as gum surgery.

We will arrange a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and determine whether the treatment was effective and whether further intervention is needed.

If every attempt at non-surgical gum disease treatment fails, we may suggest surgical intervention.

Surgical Periodontal Therapy

When all other periodontal treatments fail, surgical intervention may be needed. Dr. Hachem, our board-certified periodontist, has years of experience performing all types of periodontal surgery for patients with advanced periodontitis.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

This is sometimes called “flap surgery.” Dr. Hachem carefully accesses the gums to expose the affected tooth roots to perform more effective scaling and root planing. She may also reshape the tooth if there is significant bone loss due to periodontitis. The gums are then sutured closed.

Soft Tissue Grafting

As periodontal disease advances, the gum line may shrink back, exposing the roots of the teeth. To cover the exposed roots, we can remove tissue from the roof of your mouth or donor tissue. The soft tissue graft covers the tooth roots, reducing future gum loss and improving the appearance of your smile.

Bone Grafting

Periodontitis can destroy the jawbone if left untreated. If you lose bone mass due to periodontal disease, bone grafting restores the strength and integrity of the jawbone, preventing the loosening of the teeth and potential tooth loss. Over time, the graft material encourages bone regrowth.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration uses collagen membranes placed in the periodontal pockets to prevent unwanted tissue growth, while the desired graft material encourages new growth. Guided tissue regeneration is often used in combination with bone grafting.

Tissue-Stimulating Proteins

Tissue-stimulating proteins can help both the soft tissues and bone surrounding the teeth regrow. The proteins are the same as those in developing tooth enamel and are applied to the tooth roots using a gel.

If we determine surgical intervention is needed to treat your periodontal disease, we review your treatment options in detail and answer all your questions before proceeding. Recovery from periodontal surgery typically takes a week or two, depending on the procedure’s invasiveness. Periodontal surgery may be the only way to save your teeth if your periodontal disease is severe.

Benefits of Periodontal Therapy

There are many benefits to periodontal therapy. Untreated gum disease leads to painful inflammation of the gums, infection, loose and decayed teeth, and tooth loss. Early treatment of infected gums with periodontal therapy can prevent complications that dramatically impact your health. Among the benefits of periodontal treatment are:

• Eliminating harmful bacteria in the mouth
• Preventing tooth decay
• Preventing jawbone loss due to infection
• Eliminating bad breath
• Eliminating painful, tender gums
• Reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other medical conditions linked to periodontitis.

Periodontal Therapy as a Part of Full Mouth Reconstruction

If you are considering a full mouth reconstruction but have any form of gum disease, including gingivitis, you must have periodontal therapy before placing dental implants. If you have active periodontitis, treatment is essential, followed by stringent monitoring and routine treatment of the gums to prevent bacterial re-infection. Advanced gum disease can increase the risk of implant failure, but proper care and regular checkups minimize that risk.

For more information regarding periodontal therapy or to schedule an appointment for infected gum treatment, please call our office at Orbis Dental Group Phone Number (210) 496-1919.