Periodontics focuses on the supporting structures of the teeth including the gums and mouth bones. Periodontics has seen huge growth due to the prevalence of periodontitis, a condition also known as gum disease. When the gums become irritated or inflamed due to heavy exposure to toxins and plaque, it can cause the gums to develop periodontitis. When this occurs, the gums will appear swollen and slightly darkened in color. As periodontitis progresses, the gums start to pull away from the teeth creating empty spaces known as pockets. These pockets become infested with tartar, bacteria and plaque, causing the condition to spread throughout the rest of the mouth. When gum disease is able to reach the jawbone and the connective tissue, tooth loss is likely.
At Rye Dental Associates, we understand the seriousness of gum disease. We encourage our patients to seek treatment for gum disease as early as possible. We offer a variety of treatment options to help you restore the health and appearance of your gums and prevent periodontitis from reoccurring.
Scaling and Root Planing
This is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Scaling and root planing removes excessive buildup of plaque, tartar and toxins above and below the gum line.
Scaling involves using dental tools to remove plaque from the deep spaces that cannot normally be reached with brushing and flossing. Root planing smoothes out any rough spots on the root surfaces to help prevent future build-ups from occurring.
Dental Crown Lengthening
When the gums become inflamed and swollen, it can cause a “gummy” smile. This issue can be addressed using a procedure known as dental crown lengthening. This involves removing and reshaping excess gum tissue in to expose more of the natural teeth. This procedure will restore the look of the smile, while also allowing the dental professionals to access the areas below the gum line so that any damage can be repaired.
Gingivectomy
This procedure involves the total removal of a portion of gum from around a tooth to treat gum disease. The diseased tissue is trimmed and removed, and then the remaining gums are reattached with stitches.
Root Surface Debridement
Root Surface debridement (RSD) is the careful cleaning of the root surface of the tooth until all deposits have been removed. Calculus that has built up in very hard-to-reach places can be removed with the use of special instruments to thoroughly and comfortably clean the area.
Pocket Reduction
Healthy bone and gum tissue fit snugly around the teeth. When a patient has periodontal disease, the supporting tissue and bone are damaged, creating "pockets" around the teeth. During a pocket reduction procedure, we fold back the gum tissue and then remove disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue back in its proper place.
Ridge Augmentation
When our patients suffer bone loss due to tooth removal, we may recommend ridge augmentation. The treatment will help form natural gum and jawlines that might become lost due to tooth extractions and other complications.
Ridge Preservation
When performing a tooth extraction, we strive to preserve as much of the jawbone as possible. To minimize bone shrinkage, a bone graft can be placed in the socket at the time of extraction. A ridge preservation bone graft can often prevent the need for bone grafting later.
Regenerative Procedures
Regenerative procedures can be used when gum disease reaches a level in which the jawbone and connective tissue have experienced damage. These treatments consist of folding back the gum tissue and then removing bacteria and toxins. Once clean, bone grafts and special proteins are applied to the jawbone to try to reverse the decay. This process can stimulate bone growth to initiate healing.
Sinus Lift
A sinus lift is used when there is not enough bone height in the top jaw, or the sinuses are too close to the jaw to place dental implants. Bone is added on either side of the nose between the jaw and the sinuses. In order to make room for the bone, the sinus membrane is moved upward, or "lifted."
Bone Grafting
When the jaw bone is weakened or deteriorated due to tooth loss, a bone graft procedure may be necessary in order to place dental implants.
To learn more about our periodontal services, or to make an appointment, call us today at (914) 967-1242.
