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Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection that results from bacterial plaque. It is a thin, sticky layer of microorganisms (called a biofilm) that collects at the gum line. It results from an absence of effective daily oral hygiene. Left for long periods of time, plaque causes inflammation that gradually separates the gums from the teeth. Ultimately, this forms little spaces known as “periodontal pockets.” The pockets offer shelter for the disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria to reproduce. If left untreated, the infection can spread from the gum tissues to the bone. When this occurs, teeth may loosen and fall out.
We recommend treating gum disease with a non-surgical approach consisting of one or more of the following:
(281) 559-7019If you experience loose teeth, we work to protect them from the daily stress of biting and chewing. This is even beneficial if you grind or clench your teeth. We carefully reshape small amounts of the tooth surface enamel affecting the way the teeth contact each other. This lessens the force and reduces their mobility. We can also join your teeth together with a small metal or plastic brace to provide additional support. Bite guards are available to wear when griding and clenching is most likely to occur.
Dental plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease. Therefore, it is necessary to remove it daily through regular brushing. We will show you the most effective brushing and flossing techniques, along with product recommendations, to help keep your mouth disease-free. Becoming an active participant in your own care ensures periodontal treatment success. If you are a smoker, we strongly suggest giving up the habit to help prevent further tooth complications.
Often, nonsurgical treatment is enough to control a periodontal infection, restore oral tissues and tighten loose teeth. Keeping up with daily oral hygiene routine along with regular checkups provide the best chance to remain disease-free.
When advanced gum disease (periodontitis) develops, your teeth are in danger. At this stage, the ligaments and bone tissue surrounding your teeth are decaying, resulting in tooth loss. If the disease isn’t addressed by non-surgical treatments like cleaning and scaling, then periodontal flap surgery is required.
Flap surgery is today’s leading method for treating and repairing periodontal pockets. What are these “pockets?” They are areas below the gum line where gum tissue detaches from the teeth, resulting in an uncleanable space where harmful bacteria proliferate. Bacteria causes inflammation of the tissues, resulting in sensitivity, bleeding, and pain. Left untreated, they can cause a host of problems, including gum disease, loss of the tooth-supporting bone structure, and possibly even systemic (whole-body) problems.
Treatment of periodontal pockets begins with cleaning and scaling (also referred to as root debridement) with a manual or ultrasonic instrument. If this proves ineffective, then periodontal surgery follows. Flap surgery isn’t a cure for periodontal disease. But, it helps create an environment that makes it easier to maintain periodontal health. And, even if you’re prone to gum disease, proper professional treatment and regular care at home will keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible.
Flap surgery is sometimes performed to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the periodontal pocket and make it easier for you or your dental professional to keep the area clean. This common surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again.
A pocket reduction procedure is recommended if daily at-home oral hygiene and a professional care routine cannot effectively reach these deep pockets. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. Finally, this allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.
Enjoy your favorite show on the flat-screen TV in your treatment room.
Your little ones can relax with games, toys, and activities!
Have a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of water.
Cozy up with a warm blanket or comfortable pillow on request.
One major objective of flap surgery is to eliminate or reduce the pocket itself by making a flap-like incision in the gum tissue. This allows the removal of diseased tissue from inside the pocket, furthermore, providing access to the teeth’s root surfaces for a thorough cleaning. This helps to eliminate harmful plaque and calculus (tartar). We close the flap and finally seal the area. This begins the healing process, which takes place rapidly.
Another goal is to create regeneration of periodontal ligament and bone tissue lost to the disease. A variety of techniques accomplish this, including high-tech methods of bone grafting and chemicals growth factors. These approaches help restore the gums to their normal form and function and promote the healthy and secure anchoring of teeth.
We will sometimes do soft tissue grafts to treat gum disease or correct other abnormalities. The procedure involves taking gum tissue from the palate or another donor source to cover an exposed root in order to even the gum line and reduce sensitivity; an exposed tooth root causes severe pain due to extremes in temperatures, different kinds of food and liquids.
Finally, when the previous factors for gum disease are under control, a soft tissue graft procedure repairs the defect and helps prevent additional recession and bone loss.
Feel free to browse our website and get to know more about our services, passionate dentist, and lovable team. Or give us a call and schedule an appointment. We serve families in and around the Atascocita and Humble areas.
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