Pocket Reduction Surgery Fairbanks, AK Gum disease is a progressive oral health condition. When it begins, it is barely noticeable. A buildup of plaque and bacteria irritate the gums, causing inflammation. This early stage is often missed and therefore goes untreated. As a result, inflamed tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, causing the formation of pockets. Bacteria collect in these pockets and begin attacking your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone while still attacking your gums. The longer gum disease goes untreated, the worse it becomes, and it can eventually lead to tooth loss. At Fairbanks Periodontal Associates, we can treat gum disease with pocket reduction surgery.What is Pocket Reduction Surgery?Pocket reduction surgery is a surgical procedure performed when the periodontal pockets are too deep to effectively clean with a periodontal cleaning. It is a minor surgical procedure that allows us to thoroughly clean your teeth so that your gums can begin to reattach to your teeth. Prior to pocket reduction surgery, however, we will deep clean your teeth and gums with scaling and root planing. Only when scaling and root planing is not enough do we perform pocket reduction surgery. Deep Cleaning Your Teeth with Scaling and Root PlaningScaling and root planing is a common procedure for gum disease. It is a deep cleaning of your teeth that involves cleaning all surfaces of your teeth both above and below the gums. Scaling is the cleaning of the visible surfaces of your teeth. This is accomplished with a scaler, a specialized tool that is designed to remove all buildup from your teeth, including tartar. Tartar, or calculus, is a calcified plaque that cannot be removed with a toothbrush, no matter how often, or hard, you brush. We pay close attention to the areas around and just below your gum line. After scaling, we move on to root planing. Root planing involves the use of small, specialized tools that remove plaque, bacteria, and other toxins from the roots of your teeth. We smooth the surfaces, making it more difficult for new plaque and bacteria to attach. After root planing, an antibacterial wash is delivered below the gums. Non-Surgical Treatments for Gum DiseaseFor those patients suffering from the late stages of gum disease, surgical treatments are necessary. During those stages, patients may experience extensive tooth decay and potential tooth and bone mass loss of both the upper and lower jaw. Patients in the earlier stages of the disease can typically avoid surgical procedures and benefit from the available non-surgical options. The first one employed is quite common. It is merely a course of antibiotics. Since the disease is bacterial in nature, typically antibiotics can have some effect. It may be in either pill form or a topical cream. Surgical Treatments for Gum DiseaseWhile gum disease is incredibly damaging, destroying hard and soft tissues found in the oral cavity, surgical procedures can treat the symptoms and, in some cases, slow the progression. A gingivectomy is a simple and easy procedure which simply removes a diseased section of gum tissue to allow new growth. Another surgical procedure typically used is known as pocket reduction surgery. This procedure minimizes the space receding gums can leave between the base of the tooth and supportive gums. Ridge or socket preservation is an oral surgery procedure that is typically done immediately following tooth extraction. It involves a bone graft, which fills in the empty socket so prevents bone loss and allows for the placement of a dental implant. Contact UsPatients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and are uncertain how to start treatment, should contact Fairbanks Periodontal Associates to come in and discuss your periodontal needs. We are available at (907) 455-7100. Call us today at (907) 455-7100 to schedule an appointment. |
Fairbanks Periodontal Associates
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