Wellington Office:
Gum Disease Treatment Options
If you've been diagnosed with gum disease, there are various treatment options depending on the severity of the condition. We always begin with the least invasive, non-surgical methods. However, for more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Non-Surgical Treatment
The first step in treating gum disease is typically scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure designed to target areas beneath the gum line where regular brushing can’t reach. Using ultrasonic tools, we remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and roots. Afterward, the surfaces are smoothed (root planing), making it easier for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
For many patients, scaling and root planing can resolve early-stage gum disease. However, consistent care at home—daily brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and regular checkups—is essential to prevent recurrence.
Surgical Treatment Options
If non-surgical treatments aren’t sufficient and significant damage has occurred, surgical options may be necessary. These procedures aim to restore the health and function of your gums and teeth. We recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of the disease.
- Pocket Depth Reduction: As gum disease progresses, pockets form around the teeth, trapping bacteria, plaque, and tartar. In a pocket reduction procedure, also known as “flap surgery,” we fold back the gum tissue to access and remove the buildup. After cleaning, we may remove any damaged tissue and reattach the healthy gum tissue. This reduces the pockets, allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth and restore their health.
- Regeneration: If the bone and tissue supporting your teeth are lost due to severe gum disease, a regeneration procedure may be necessary. After cleaning and removing bacteria, we may apply a bone graft or growth-stimulating proteins to promote new bone and tissue growth, repairing the damage caused by gum disease.
- Soft-Tissue Graft: Gum recession (gingival recession) often occurs with gum disease, exposing tooth roots and leading to increased sensitivity. During a soft-tissue graft, we take tissue from the roof of your mouth or another area and graft it to the recessed gums to restore the gum line and protect the exposed roots. This procedure helps prevent further damage and can also enhance the appearance of your smile.
At Modern Dental Smiles in Wellington, FL, we tailor treatment to meet your individual needs and restore your gum health, so you can smile with confidence again.