Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can comprise the health of your teeth, gum tissue, and supporting bone structure. It is crucial to treat gum disease before it progresses into a more complex dental issue. Most dentists recommend patients visit the dentist every six months for preventive care examinations. During a preventive care visit, your dentist will perform a full dental checkup and screening for complex dental issues. If your dentist notices any signs of gum disease during your exam, a treatment plan will be developed to address specific needs.
Plano dentist Dr. Bradly Dean offers a full range of periodontal therapy services for patients with gum disease. As a highly trained periodontist, Dr. Dean offers both surgical and non-surgical periodontal services to restore gum health and prevent future complications to the teeth, gums, and bone structure.
Common Periodontal Therapy Services
Gum Grafting: As gum disease progresses the gums may recede. If gum recession leads to an exposed tooth root, patients may need to undergo gum grafting. If patients have an adequate amount of healthy gum tissue, your dentist may use gum tissue from an area in your mouth. In other cases, your dentist may use donor tissue to restore your gums.
Osseous Surgery: Your dentist will reshape or smooth bone affected bone and reduce pockets around the gum tissue.
Bone Grafting: In advanced stage gum disease, patients may experience bone recession, which may create space between the teeth.
Laser Dentistry: Your dentist may use laser dentistry to remove diseased gum tissue. In some cases, dental lasers may be used as an alternative to gum surgery. Dental lasers allow patients to:
- experience minimal bleeding
- may promote faster healing
- more precise results
- less discomfort
Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is an extensive deep cleaning of the areas above and below the gum line. The goal is to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar buildup from the tooth roots and gum tissue.
Schedule A Consultation
If you notice any changes in your oral health, be sure to contact our Plano dentist office. Dr. Dean is a highly trained, experienced dentist in Plano, TX. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call (972) 666-1594 or request an appointment online.