Gum Therapy
It is possible that in spite of your best efforts you may require more aggressive gum therapy. Like many other ailments, gum disease can be quite painless due to its slow progression. After a thorough periodontal screening and examination, we may choose more aggressive therapies aimed at eliminating or reducing the amounts of bacterial poisons and plaque accumulating below the gum line, (generally cleaning and polishing of teeth is above the gum-line).
What is Non-Surgical Gum Therapy?
Non-surgical gum therapy involves curettage and root-planing and/or treatment with site-specific administration of medications to the affected gums. Curettage is the debridement of the soft tissue lining around the tooth. In disease, this tissue is chronically irritated by bacteria deep below the visible gum-line and needs to be removed so that proper healing can occur. Root-Planing is the removal and smoothing of micro-amounts of root surface so that a clean and un-infected surface is presented to the healing lining of soft tissue.
These two procedures are generally done simultaneously, may require local anesthesia and are skillfully done by our well-trained hygienists under Dr. Maryna Kharkavets’s prescription.
How Effective is Non-Surgical Gum Therapy?
Gum disease does not happen overnight and treatment generally is spread out over time as the effectiveness of a procedure needs to be assessed before the next takes place. Generally, your condition is re-assessed in time and joint decisions are made about your next step. The services of a specialist (Periodontist) may be required should surgical intervention be required. Often surgery allows for complete healing of the gum and bone, reduced mobility of teeth and a greatly improved prognosis.
Dr. Maryna Kharkavets’s hygiene team will work with you to assure that you have access to the care that best suits your needs. They will also help you hone your home-care skills so that you can maintain the optimum level of health that you want.
Periodontal Treatment
Gums are essential in maintaining your health, yet gum disease is a common issue, causing inflammation in the gums, tissues, and bones surrounding the teeth. At Vibrant Square Dental, our team can provide periodontal treatment, and through our treatment process, we can remove the disease-causing bacteria and help you better manage your periodontal disease. Our Vaughan, Ontario office is dedicated to helping our patient’s families prevent gum disease and treat it effectively.
The Warning Signs of Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums that support your teeth. Gum disease is often caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar when the teeth are not thoroughly cleaned.
When the gums are infected, it occurs in gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis only affects the gums, causing them to inflame and swell. However, when properly treated, it can be reversed with non-surgical gum therapy. During the second stage, periodontitis causes the bacteria to penetrate deeper into the gums, where the membranes and bones support your teeth. Because periodontitis is more destructive, it can lead to tooth loss and severe health problems.
Periodontitis is often considered a silent disease because pain isn’t always present, but early warning signs of gum disease can include redness, puffiness, tenderness, and bleeding gums. In its periodontitis stage, the gums can appear to be receding away from the teeth and can cause the teeth to feel loose over time.
Our Treatment Process For Periodontal Disease
Our family practice can provide periodontal treatment through the latest technologies and equipment. Your periodontal treatment will depend on the stage of your infection and the deterioration involved with the gums, teeth, supporting tissues, and bone.
After reviewing your digital X-rays and performing a thorough periodontal exam, Dr. Maryna Kharkavets will answer questions and discuss various options for periodontal treatment, including:
- Non-Surgical Gum Therapy: Also called scaling and root planing, non-surgical gum therapy can remove the initial cause of your gum disease by cleaning the root surfaces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. When performed under local anesthesia, this treatment can help prevent your gum disease from advancing and help heal your gums.
- Periodontal Corrective Procedures: For patients with more severe cases of periodontitis, our team can provide periodontal surgery to address deep gingival pockets and eliminate harmful bacteria. Pocket reduction procedures can help prevent further damage to the bone and tooth loss and can even be used to help prepare for bone grafts and encourage better healing.
- Periodontal Maintenance: While gum therapy can remove bacteria, gum disease doesn’t currently have a cure. Dr. Kharkavets and her team can provide periodontal maintenance to prevent the recurrence of gum disease and help preserve your healthy, natural smile.
Gum disease can be a lifelong challenge, but our team can provide periodontal treatment and prevent it from returning. Through immediate, appropriate treatment, we can work with your to address the underlying causes of your gum disease and help improve your smile. Make sure to speak with our Vaughan, Ontario office to learn more about our periodontal treatment options, procedure costs, and more by scheduling an appointment today.
Speak With Our Vaughan, Ontario Office to Learn More
Even with an in-depth dental hygiene routine, advanced gum disease won’t disappear without help. Professional treatment helps to address the underlying concerns and promotes healing. After receiving treatment for periodontal disease, you may experience some degree of sensitivity in the gums and teeth. This typically passes within a few days of the treatment date. Call us to arrange an exam and consultation today.