Gum Disease Treatment
Good oral health isn’t only about the condition of your teeth—your gums are just as important.
Gum disease starts with red, swollen gums, but as it progresses, it can lead to tooth and bone loss, gum recession, and even medical complications like heart disease and premature labor. The good news is that when caught in its earliest stages, gum disease can be reversed before it causes any permanent damage.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is our first line of defense against gum disease. Similar to a routine dental cleaning, scaling removes plaque and tartar from the teeth—the difference is that a routine cleaning focuses on the visible part of the tooth, while periodontal scaling goes below the gumline. After scaling, the roots of your teeth are planed, which allows the gum tissue to reattach.
Laser Surgery (LANAP)
Dr Pinero always strives to get the latest technology. Periodontal disease treatment has always been her passion, that is why when LANAP technologie was approved by the FDA, she immediately got it for her patients. The LANAP protocol is the only laser gum disease treatment FDA cleared for True Regeneration based on scientific evidence. Simply put, the LANAP protocol can re-grow the tissues and bone lost to gum disease, and has the science and research to prove it. Compared to traditional osseous surgery, patients say the LANAP protocol is:
- Less painful
- Less post-op sensitivity
- Less gum loss (gum recession)
- Very little downtime after treatment
Laser Pocket Disinfection
Laser Pocket Disinfection is a quick, painless procedure taking approximately 10 minutes to perform. We highly recommend you take advantage of this service as part of your routine cleaning appointment. The procedure is performed using the PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser. Dr Pinero will use it to kill periodontal disease bacteria and stop the infectious process before it develops far enough along to cause loss of attachment, bleeding and destruction of the gums and supporting tissues around your teeth.
Pocket Reduction
Pocket reduction is a series of surgeries used to access the roots of the teeth in order to remove deposits of tartar and bacteria and encourage the gum tissue to reattach to the root, reducing the depth of pockets. Pocket reduction procedures are an important step in preventing the progression of gum disease.
Root Surface Debridement
Root surface debridement (RSD) is a procedure that cleans the root surface of the tooth. Over time, calcified deposits in the gum pockets make the surface of the roots rough and difficult to clean. Dr Pinero performs root surface debridement to remove these deposits for better periodontal health.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is painless at first, making it difficult to diagnose without regular dental exams. Without treatment, gingivitis often progresses into gum disease, which is why treatment is important. Dr. Pinero offers a range of non-surgical treatment options to reverse gingivitis and prevent gum disease.
Gum Graft Surgery
Gum grafting is used to treat gum recession. Soft tissue from other parts of the mouth are used to cover areas where the roots of teeth are exposed. Once completed, the soft tissue surrounding your teeth will begin to regenerate, reducing tooth sensitivity, restoring your oral health, and improving the appearance of your smile.
Dental Crown Lengthening
Dental crown lengthening can be used to prepare a tooth for crown placement by exposing more of the tooth for better stability, but it can also be used as a cosmetic treatment for a “gummy” smile.
Bone Regeneration
If periodontal disease has caused bone loss in the jaw, you may not have the support you need for dental implants. In cases like this, Dr. Pinero will often recommend bone regeneration (also known as bone grafting) to promote healthy bone growth and strengthen your jawbone to prepare for dental implant placement. Over time, your jawbone will regain the bone mass needed to support dental implants.
Concerned about the effects of gum disease and gingivitis on your smile? Call our Coral Springs dental practice today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Pinero.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease
Can gum disease be cured?
When gum disease is treated in its earliest stages (Gingivitis), it can be cured and permanent damage can be prevented. As gum disease progresses (Periodontal Disease), it can still be treated, but it can’t be cured.
Can you die from gum disease?
There is mounting evidence that points to a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. While scientists aren’t certain of the cause, it’s thought that inflammation in the gums leads to inflammation elsewhere in the body. Aside from this, it’s also important to remember that gum disease is an infection and like any other type of infection, it can travel through the bloodstream and cause infection elsewhere, which, while rare, can be fatal.
Can gum tissue grow back?
Once periodontitis has caused the gums to recede, they won’t grow back on their own. Gum grafting surgery is needed to reverse gum recession.
What is the best treatment for gum disease?
Scaling and root planing is the best treatment for gum disease. This simple non-surgical procedure is extremely effective when it comes to reversing periodontal disease, particularly when paired with a topical antibiotic treatment.