There are a variety of procedures used by periodentists who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of such gum disease.

Periodentists are dentists who specialize in periodontal disease, they have received an additional 3 years training in this field above the normal training for dentistry, usually periodentists are familiar with the latest techniques and medicines available for dealing with gum disorders.

Here are a few of the procedures which periodentists follow and are involved in—

Non Surgical Treatment of Periodontits.

Periodontal disease is best treated in a non intrusive manner and with cost effectiveness in mind. This non surgical approach can be achieved by the use of scaling and root planing procedures which remove plaque and tartar from the periodontal pockets, assisted by local, sometimes slow release antibiotics, inserted into the pocket.

Most patients who have undergone such procedures do not require any further treatment apart from active maintenance therapy to keep overall body health.

Non surgical treatment however is not without its limitations, and if scaling and planing do not achieve periodontal health, then oral surgery may be necessary to repair the damage caused by periodontitis.

Surgery for Periodontal Disease.

Oral surgery will be recommended by the periodentist if the gum tissue remains unhealthy, and has not repaired successfully. There are four main types of oral surgery which are most commonly recommended.

-          Pocket reduction Procedures, which re size the periodontal pocket.

-          Regenerative procedures, which involve repairing damage to the bones supporting the teeth.

-          Crown Lengthening is needed when a tooth needs to be restored, and there is insufficient structure above the gum to support the insertion of a crown or filling.

-          Soft Tissue Grafts. During this procedure, fresh soft tissue is taken from the palate of the mouth or from a donor, and used to cover the exposed tooth root.

Laser Treatment for Periodontal Disease.

Laser treatment can be used as an adjunct to the scaling and root planing procedure. There is often less bleeding and discomfort to the patient using laser surgery, and recovery time is much quicker.

The operational wavelengths and power output of the laser need to be selected carefully so that they are suited to the particular kind of periodontal surgery to be carried out. An incorrect power or wavelength setting for the laser can cause tissue damage.

There are other procedures which can be carried out by a skilled periodentist. For example, if a tooth has been lost due to periodontal disease then the patient may be interested in having a dental implant, or even a cosmetic surgical procedure to enhance the patient’s smile.

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