Periodontal (Gum) Therapy
Would you want a house built on shaky ground? What good are perfect teeth if they have a diseased foundation? Periodontal therapy addresses problems with the support system of your teeth- the gums, bone, and other support tissues.
Exactly what type of periodontal therapy you may need is determined by various factors. During your initial examination, the periodontal conditions around each tooth are examined. It’s not uncommon to have many teeth with perfectly healthy gum tissue, and several areas where there is significant periodontal damage. In more advanced stages, almost all teeth are involved.
After your examination, Dr. Funderburk and your hygienist will explain your particular condition and recommend a plan of action just for you.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy such as scaling & root planing combined with medications such as Arestin. Even in severe cases, non-surgical therapy often precedes surgical therapy. This is done to improve the overall tissue quality prior to surgery and also to help limit the areas requiring surgery.
Surgical Periodontal Treatments
Depending on your individual response to initial therapy, surgical treatment of your periodontal issues may be recommended. We pride ourselves in our conservative, yet effective treatment recommendations and limit surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary.
These surgical treatments may include:
- Gum Disease Laser Therapy
- LANAP, especially useful in earlier stages of periodontal disease
- Gingivectomy, for cosmetic reasons, restorative access, or disease control
- Clinical crown lengthening, for cosmetic reasons, or to allow room for a healthy attachment
- Osseous Surgery, for use in more advanced stages of periodontal disease
Periodontal Maintenance
Following your active periodontal therapy, you will receive a customized Periodontal Maintenance program to preserve your dental health. If prone to periodontal disease, you will need regular dental visits and maintenance performed more often to prevent its return, or to treat it before further damage occurs.
Your Gums Deserve Outstanding Care
Dentist Dr. Funderburk can treat periodontal disease to improve your oral health. Contact us for more information.