What can be done
The upper level of infection in the pockets around your teeth can be treated by beginning with a daily home care program including careful tooth brushing and cleaning between the teeth to remove bacteria from under the gum margins.
This is followed by a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and any gum pockets. The bacteria and calculus are removed and tooth roots smoothed to eliminate crevices that can harbor bacteria. Sometimes, no further treatment is necessary to keep periodontal disease under control.
Postponing Periodontal Care May Lead to Other Forms of Treatment
Other forms of treatment may be necessary for those patients who postpone periodontal care until the disease has progressed to a more advanced state. This treatment reduces the gum pockets and helps the gums reattach to the teeth.If your infection has spread into the bone that supports your teeth, and is below the level that can be reached in "Upper Level Infection Removal", then a flap surgical procedure or a laser periodontal procedure must be performed to retract the gums and remove the lower level infection. This will help arrest the infection and inflammation which would likely lead to tooth loss if untreated.
Usually, the biting surfaces of the teeth are adjusted to evenly distribute the chewing pressures throughout the mouth.
Appropriate treatment along with follow-up care by you and your family dentist can help prevent recurrence of the disease.
See video of laser periodontal procedure:
Be sure to read our next blog about the various periodontal procedures!
Lloyd E. Parmley, D.M.D.
A Practice Limited to Periodontics • Implants • Gum Diseases
6909 Burlington Pike, Suite B • Florence, KY 41042-1618
859-371-6543 • 800-432-6543 • Fax 859-282-3112
