Surgical Options for Periodontal Treatment: When Non-Surgical Methods Are Not Enough

Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the gum tissue, primarily caused by inadequate oral hygiene practices.

This formation of tartar marks the onset of periodontal disease. As time passes, the disease can progress to more advanced stages, characterized by swollen and bleeding gums, difficulties while chewing, and even tooth loss. At this advanced stage, routine dental cleanings are no longer effective in treating the infection.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

The stages are:

Periodontitis – Stage 1

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to Stage 1 of periodontitis. The destructive inflammation of the gums characterizes this stage. It’s important to note that chronic inflammation, regardless of its location in the body, can lead to damage. In periodontitis, the inflammation causes harm to the periodontal ligament, which connects the roots of the teeth to the socket. Once these fibers are damaged, the effects are permanent. At this point, gum disease cannot be reversed, but a specialized periodontist and a dental health team can effectively manage it.

Periodontitis – Stage 2: Moderate

If initial periodontitis remains untreated, it will advance to Stage 2, known as Moderate Periodontitis.

The critical distinction between initial and moderate periodontitis lies in the extent of damage to the ligaments or joints connecting the tooth root and its socket. In the case of initial periodontitis, the damage is minimal and often challenging to detect. However, in moderate periodontitis, the damage becomes more noticeable to your dentist near you, as it is more extensive and, regrettably, permanent.

Periodontitis – Stage 3: Severe (with potential for tooth loss).

This is severe stage of periodontitis, where there is a significant risk of tooth loss.

If your gum disease has progressed to this stage, it is still unlikely that you will experience pain. However, you may notice the unpleasant breath and a bad taste in your mouth, and your teeth may appear longer due to gum recession.

Stage 4 periodontitis: Severe (potential tooth loss)

At Stage 4, many teeth may already be missing, and the remaining ones are often loose. Insufficient gum and bone support weakens the teeth, making them unable to withstand chewing forces.

Front teeth will shift and spread, creating gaps. Immediate treatment at Lincoln Dental Associates is crucial. Advanced periodontal disease can lead to severe health issues like diabetes or heart attacks.

While it cannot be reversed, it can be managed. With assistance from our dentist in Lincoln, NE, gum disease can be stabilized even at this advanced stage.

Non-Surgical Methods for Treating Periodontal Disease

If periodontitis is not in an advanced stage, the periodontal treatments near you may involve less invasive procedures, which include:

1. Scaling : Scaling involves the removal of tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gumline. This procedure can be performed using instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device.
2. Root planing : Root planning aims to smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots. Doing so helps prevent the further accumulation of tartar and bacteria. Additionally, it promotes the reattachment of your gums to your teeth.
3. Antibiotics : Antibiotics can be utilized to control bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics may involve using antibiotic mouth rinses or the application of a gel containing antibiotics into gum pockets.

When Non-Surgical Methods Are Not Enough: Surgical Options for Treating Periodontal Disease

In cases of advanced periodontitis, dental surgery may be necessary. The following periodontal treatments in Lincoln, NE, are commonly performed:

• Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery) : During this procedure, your periodontist creates incisions in the gums to carefully lift and fold back the tissue. This exposes the tooth roots, enabling more effective scaling and root planing.
• Soft tissue grafts : When gum tissue has been lost, causing a receding gumline and exposing tooth roots, reinforcement of the damaged tissue may be necessary. This is typically done by taking a small amount of tissue from the roof of the mouth or utilizing tissue from another donor source, which is then attached to the affected site. This procedure helps reduce further gum loss, covers exposed roots, and enhances the appearance of your teeth.
• Bone grafting : If periodontitis has destroyed the bone surrounding the tooth root, a bone graft may be performed. The graft can consist of small fragments of your bone, artificial material, or donated bone. Its purpose is to prevent tooth loss by stabilizing the tooth in its position and providing a platform for the regeneration of natural bone.