Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dr. Henry Kim
Affectionate Dental Care
Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry
Periodontal Treatments:
Following are some of the procedures that Dentist and periodontists use to treat
patients diagnosed with a periodontal (gum) disease. The main cause of
periodontal disease is bacteria in the form of a sticky, colorless plaque that
constantly forms on your teeth; however, many other factors can cause
periodontal (gum) disease or influence its progression.
Non-Surgical Treatments
AAP treatment guidelines stress that periodontal health should be achieved in
the least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished
through non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing
(a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar]
from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial
toxins), followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials
and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.
Most dentist and periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing,
many patients do not require any further active treatment, including surgical
therapy. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance
therapy to sustain health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations,
however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be
indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to
facilitate oral hygiene practices.
Periodontal Surgery
If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist and periodontist may
recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your
dentist or periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is
unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment. Following are the
four types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed:
Pocket Reduction Procedures
Regenerative Procedures
Crown Lengthening
Soft Tissue Grafts
The Use of Lasers in Periodontal Therapy
Limited research suggests that the use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and
root planing (SRP) may improve the effectiveness of this procedure. In addition,
when the lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy there can be less
bleeding, swelling and discomfort to the patient during surgery. However, each
laser has different wavelengths and power levels that can be used safely during
different periodontal procedures. Damage to periodontal tissues can result if an
inappropriate wavelength and/or power level is used during a periodontal
procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasers in Periodontal Therapy
Dental Implants
If you've already lost a tooth to periodontal disease or other reasons, you may
be interested in dental implants—the permanent tooth replacement option.
More About Dental Implants
For the best in smile make over in Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson area of Nevada,
contact our cosmetic dentistry professionals. Schedule your free consultation
today! 702.876.3222
© 2005 Henry Kim DDS |
