Orange County Periodontal Services: 7 Day Dental Periodontists

Gum antibiotic therapy is basically the placement of medications to eliminate bacteria that causes periodontal disease. Performed following scaling and root planing procedures, this adjunctive therapy benefits those with advanced periodontal disease. It is important to note, though, that this is not a standalone procedure. This means that it should be used in conjunction with non-surgical treatments to ensure its efficacy. Also, using gum antibiotic therapy for the long term control of severe or advanced periodontal disease is not recommended.

Flap surgery, also called periodontal pocket reduction surgery, is recommended when pockets are too deep and incredibly difficult to clean with brushing and standard dental cleaning. The reduction of the pocket depth and elimination of existing bacteria are essential to prevent the progression of the periodontal disease and the damages it may cause. In addition, flap surgery aims to halt bone loss, lessen the inflammation and save the teeth.Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure begins with the periodontist making an incision and folding back the gum tissue away from the surrounding bone. Then, to remove deposits, the diseased root surface is cleaned thoroughly with scaling and planing to ensure the total elimination of calculus from the tooth root. Meanwhile, in some cases, smoothing of damaged bone is done to minimize the hiding areas for disease-causing bacteria. Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, the gum tissue is sewn back into position in such a way that they fit snugly around the tooth.Feeling mild discomfort after the surgery is normal. The pain or discomfort can be managed with medications or the application of ice packs. Gauze pads will be used to cover the gum. These should be changed as needed. Rinsing with warm salt water should be done for several days to reduce the swelling and keep the mouth sanitized. Observing proper oral home care practices and getting regular professional oral maintenance are also integral in the success of the treatment with our Orange County Periodental services.

Gum grafting is a periodontal procedure done in cases involving excessive gingival recession. Gum grafting is done to reinforce thin gums, cover exposed root (to prevent decay) or fill in areas where tissues were lost. Basically, with this procedure, further gum recession and bone loss are prevented. In addition, it reduces teeth sensitivity and improves periodontal health. It also has esthetic benefits in that it improves the appearance of the teeth which in turn leads to a beautiful smile.Gum grafting may done using gingival graft or subepithelial connective tissue graft. The gingival graft involves the removal of a thin tissue layer from the roof of the mouth.

This tissue is then transferred or sutured to the target area. The process is similar for subepithelial connective tissue graft except that the tissue comes from inside the palate and not outside (as with free gingival graft). In free gingival graft, healing of the donor site has been noted to be more painful than the surgical procedure itself. Meanwhile, recovery with subepithelial connective tissue graft is said to be less painful.

Bone damage or loss is one of the many consequences of untreated periodontal disease. In cases involving severe bone loss, bone grafting may done. This procedure is meant to repair or stimulate the regeneration of bone to stop the progression of the periodontal disease or to create a stable base for a dental implant.Performed with local anesthetic, the procedure begins with the opening of the gum and followed by thorough cleaning to remove all bacterial deposits. Then, placement of bone fillers or graft material into the defect is done. Using dissolvable sutures, the gum is sewn back into place. The bone regrows in the jaw area in six to nine months. The regrowth aids in the reattachment of the teeth to the jaw.In some cases, a biocompatible barrier membrane is placed over the bone filling to direct the growth of the soft tissue and the new bone.

This membrane’s purpose is to seal the bone and prevent the migration of the gum between the tooth surface and the bone. This procedure is called Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR), a minimally invasive surgical procedure that focuses on the regeneration of periodontal structures (gum and bone) destroyed or lost due to the disease. Following the placement of the membrane, the gum is sewn back in place. If a non-resorbable membrane was used, it will be removed surgically after a few weeks.After the surgery, swelling and discomfort may be experienced. The swelling may be managed with the use of ice packs. Place them outside your face on the treated area. For the pain, medications may be taken as prescribed by your dentist. Antibiotics may also be given to prevent infections. You must strictly take them as instructed. In addition, you must keep your mouth clean to avoid complications and ensure the proper healing of the treated area. Lastly, don’t miss your scheduled appointments with your periodontist.

Dental crown lengthening is the reshaping or recontouring of the bone or gum tissue to expose more of the natural teeth. This surgical procedure is performed for a variety of reasons such as to restore teeth (like decayed teeth or teeth broken below the gum line) damaged by periodontal disease. In this case, crown lengthening is done to prepare the area for a new restoration. This procedure is also done for esthetic purposes like improving a “gummy” smile. Moreover, dental crown lengthening aids in the treatment of gum disease, particularly in cases involving the existence of deep pockets. Simply put, this procedure is performed to improve periodontal health and teeth appearance as well as to prepare the mouth for restorative and cosmetic procedures.

Crown lengthening involves the removal of a small amount of gum tissue and bone (in some cases) from around the teeth. The gum is then sewn into a new position which allows sufficient tooth exposure. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic.To prevent infection, an intraoral bandage will be used to secure the surgical site. Antimicrobial mouth rinse may be given to minimize or ward off bacteria. Pain medications may be taken as prescribed. Complete healing of the surgical site is expected in two to three months.

Periodontal disease, when left untreated, may lead to tooth loss. Getting dental implants is an option for patients who want to replace a lost tooth due to periodontal disease or injury. A dental implant, which is an artificial tooth root, is screwed into the jawbone to hold a replacement or prosthetic tooth or bridge.

Preventing the development or progression of periodontal disease is easily achievable with good oral home care practices and regular dental visits. Here at 7 Day Dental, we offer professional cleaning services. We also perform periodontal examination to assess the health of your teeth and gums. The process involves the inspection of the gum area, periodontal screening and recording (or the measurement of pockets between the teeth and gums), testing tooth movement and taking X-rays. Should there be concerns about your periodontal health, we would recommend that you see a periodontist.

As we are a multispecialty clinic, we could refer you to our resident Orange County periodontist (locations: Anaheim, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Woods) who could attend to you immediately. This saves you the hassle of going through the tedious process of looking for one. Most importantly, you are given the attention you need ASAP.