Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues.  When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

Prophylaxis

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended.  You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having prophylaxis, commonly known as regular dental cleanings.

Scaling and Root Planing

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (known as deep cleaning) will be recommended.  It is usually done with one or two quadrants of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing).  This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.  Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

A complete periodontal re-evaluation is necessary after scaling and root planing to determine if the gum conditions have healed and can be maintained without additional gum treatment.   If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.  Your dentist may recommend you to see a periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone) or you can call us at (626) 280-8844. 

Tissue regeneration 

Bone graft with guided tissue regeneration - When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting and regenerative procedures.  A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas in addition to the bone graft to assist in the regeneration process.  

Gum Graft - (also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery), is a collective name for surgical periodontal procedures that aim to cover an exposed tooth root surface or to enhance gum tissue quality with grafted soft tissues.

Exposed tooth roots are usually the result of gingival recession due to periodontal disease.  There are other common causes, including overly aggressive brushing and trauma.

Here are some of the major benefits associated with gum grafting:

• Reduced sensitivity – When the tooth root becomes exposed, eating or drinking hot or cold foods can cause extreme sensitivity to the teeth.  Gum grafting surgery permanently covers  all or part of the exposed root, helps reduce discomfort, and restores the good health of the gums.
  
  
• Improved appearance and function – Periodontal disease is characterized by gum recession and inflammation. Gum grafting can make the teeth look more symmetrical and generally more pleasing to look at.  In addition, adjacent tissue can be enhanced and augmented during the procedure for aesthetic and functional purposes.

Here are some of the most common types of gum grafting:

• Free gingival graft – This procedure is often used to thicken and enhance stronger gum tissue .  A layer of tissue is removed from the palate (roof of your mouth) and relocated to the affected area. 
  
  
• Subepithelial connective tissue graft – This procedure is commonly used to cover exposed roots to treat gum recession.  The connective tissue is collected from the underneath layer of the palate and relocated to the site of gum recession.