Learn About the Dental Surgeries Involved in Periodontics

Although small organs in the body, teeth are important since they play both functional and aesthetic roles. To maintain healthy and beautiful teeth, one needs to observe oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing teeth daily. Failure to do this may result in dental problems such as periodontitis, which results in gum inflammation and is a major cause of tooth loss. If you have periodontitis, you may experience signs and symptoms of bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Fortunately, periodontics in Beaumont may benefit patients with advanced periodontitis.

Periodontitis

This is a dental disease that occurs when accumulated plaque forms tartar with bacteria, inflames the gums, and damages the jaw bone if left untreated.

What is periodontics?

It is a branch of dentistry that addresses problems of the periodontium. The periodontium comprises different structures: jaw bone, gums or gingiva, the cementum connecting teeth to the jaw bone, and periodontal ligament. Periodontal treatment for advanced periodontitis involves dental surgical procedures, including bone grafting, soft tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and tissue-stimulation proteins. A specialist that administers treatment is referred to as a periodontist.

Flap surgery

This surgical procedure is used to cover exposed teeth roots caused by receding gums. If you have periodontitis, gums pull away from the bone, forming pockets that collect bacteria. If left untreated, the bacteria may damage the bone and cause tooth loss. The surgeon makes incisions in your gums for flap surgery and pulls them back, exposing the roots. This facilitates effective cleaning, a process known as scaling and root planing. Cleaning is vital to prevent the disease from proceeding to the jaw bone and to help you maintain a healthy smile. If you have irregular surfaces, the surgeon smooths and polishes before suturing the gum.

Guided tissue regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration involves the removal of bacterial infection and stimulating the regrowth of healthy bones and gums. The specialist places a biocompatible fabric between the teeth and gums, directing the material away from the gum pockets. This allows the bone to heal naturally and prevents bacteria and unwanted tissue from getting into the healing area.

Bone grafting

This is transplanting bone tissue into an area with less bone structure to structural stability. This treatment may benefit patients with damaged bones. The bone used for this process can be obtained from body parts such as the hip area or a donor or synthetic sources. An allograft is a type of bone graft that uses bone from a cadaver or a donor, while autograft is obtained from places inside the body such as your ribs, hips, pelvis, and wrist. This treatment method facilitates the regrowth of bone and prevents tooth loss by supporting your teeth.

Oral hygiene is important as it limits your chances of conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. If your gums are bleeding when brushing or you have a bad odor, book a session with your specialist at Beaumont Cherry Valley Dental for treatment to attain a beautiful, healthy smile.