Do Oral Surgeons Treat Gum Disease?

Early stages of gum disease typically respond well to conservative treatments, but in more advanced cases, surgery can be needed. Surgery for periodontal disease is designed to control the spread of the infection, simplify dental hygiene needs, and restore lost tissue. Our oral surgeon in LA can help you decide if oral surgery is right for you.

Several oral surgery procedures can be used in the treatment of gum disease, including:

1.       Pocket reduction surgery

During this procedure, the plaque and tartar are thoroughly cleaned from the roots of the teeth before the gums are sutured to fit more tightly around the teeth.

2.       Bone surgery

The bone around the teeth can develop irregularities and craters as a result of inflammation. Oral surgery can be used to smooth these areas so that oral bacteria cannot collect in them.

3.       Bone and soft tissue grafts

These procedures restore tissue that has been damaged or destroyed as a result of gum disease. Guided tissue regeneration can also be used to stimulate tissue growth.

Your periodontics treatment plan may include both surgical and nonsurgical procedures designed to address the underlying cause of your gum disease and to restore lost tissue. Call our office today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.

Gum Disease Causing Other Systemic Diseases

Dental infections have been linked to several systemic diseases. Although there is not yet enough research to demonstrate oral infection as a causal factor in these conditions, there is substantial evidence that allows researchers to determine that oral health and overall health are inextricably linked. Our periodontist in Los Angeles recommends good dental habits not just to maintain a healthy smile but also a healthy body.

According to the NIH, oral infections can affect your body systemically several ways. The infection can spread as bacteria enter the bloodstream, and the immune system can become damaged by the oral toxins, which trigger an immune response. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is one of the primary dental problems that has been linked to systemic problems, and it is associated with:

·         Atherosclerosis

·         Heart attack

·         Stroke

·         Infective carditis

·         Bacterial pneumonia

·         Low birth weight and other pregnancy complications

·         Diabetes mellitus

Gum disease is caused by oral bacteria. They grow in a biofilm called plaque, which is constantly growing on teeth. Brushing is needed to remove the plaque and the bacteria. With good brushing habits, you can keep plaque under control and reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. You also need to clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental cleaner and schedule routine professional cleanings. Call our office today to learn more about periodontitis prevention in Los Angeles. 

Surgical and Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments

Gum disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The former, an early stage, can be treated with improved at-home dental hygiene, such as attentive brushing, flossing, and recommended mouth wash. If this is not successful, or gingivitis is not identified in time, conditions can develop into periodontitis, or severe gum disease.

There are both surgical and non-surgical treatments for periodontitis. Our dentist in San Fernando Valley will most often begin treatment with a non-invasive method, called a scaling and root planing. This involves using a sharp tool to remove plaque and tartar from just at and just below the gum line. This may be enough to reverse the effects of periodontal disease.

If it is not successful, there are several surgical methods that can be used. A pocket reduction is much like a scaling and root planing, but reaches the root surfaces to eliminate more harmful substances. Gum flap surgery takes this a step further by lifting up the gum tissue to access more of the root surfaces. The gum tissue is then stitched back into place.

If the gums or jaw bone has diminished due to the disease, our dentist will perform a graft to replace the missing tissue. This material can come from another area of the mouth or body, from another person, or simply synthetic material. 

Surgery for Gum Disease

Gingivitis, or mild gum disease, can usually be treated simply. Treatment involves proper brushing, flossing, and eating healthy. Regular professional cleanings by your West Hollywood dentist are also imperative. If this is not done, or not successful, gingivitis can quickly develop into periodontitis, or severe gum disease.

Periodontal disease can sometimes be eliminated with a scaling and root planing. This involves removing plaque and tartar from the gum line and just below the gum line. If this is not effective, surgical procedures are necessary.

Periodontal surgery in West Hollywood

Gum flap surgery is a more extensive version of scaling and root planing. For this procedure, incisions are made in the gums so they can be pulled back. This allows our expert more access to the roots, so they can remove the plaque and bacteria there. The gums are then set back into place and stitched together.

Bone and tissue grafts are necessary if the disease has reached a critical point. After a time, if it is not treated, periodontitis can cause the gums and underlying bone to recede and diminish. This can leave the tooth roots exposed, which can cause damage and severe sensitivity. Tissue can be taken from elsewhere in the mouth, elsewhere on the body, or from a donor to protect the teeth and restore structure.