Periodontic Treatments

Periodontal treatment is usually employed by our Lakewood dentist for the treatment of gum, or periodontal, disease. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that attaches to the rough surface due to plaque and calculus. However, issues such as gum shrinkage and recession are also managed through periodontal treatments.

Scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar below the gum line near the root of the tooth. Since it is more common for plaque to stick to rough surfaces, the surface of the root is smoothed in a process called root planing. This process also removes any calculus, the hardened form of plaque. Scaling and root planing are performed in the beginning phase of periodontal disease.

Atridox treatment is usually used by our dentist in Lakewood in conjunction with scaling and root planing as a non-surgical treatment option for the treatment of periodontal disease. Atridox, an antibiotic, is applied in the pocket that forms between the tooth and the gum due to the disease. The bacteria in the pocket are eliminated during the seven to 14 days the gel releases the antibiotics in the pocket.

Gum disease at any of its stages can take its toll on teeth and gums. Our periodontist in Lakewood can provide treatments that bring the teeth and gums back to their natural condition.

Lakewood Periodontist

The periodontal surgery for the treatment of periodontal disease when it has reached the bone around the tooth is a procedure called open flap curettage. The root surface of the affected area is cleaned and the diseased tissue is removed by our Lakewood periodontist. The support system for the teeth, including the bones and gums, are repositioned.

After a patient loses a tooth, an indentation normally forms in the gums and jawbone because there isn't a tooth to maintain the shape. Ridge augmentation is a periodontal treatment that can fill the indentation to restore the jawline to its previous state.

Gum recession for reasons other than bacterial infection, such as improper brushing, can be treated with a soft tissue graft. Gum tissue is taken from one part mouth and grafted onto the area of recession.

Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty treatments are performed by our periodontist in Lakewood when the patient has an excess of gum tissue. A gigivectomy removes the tissue and a gingivoplast reshapes the gums to restore their appearance.

Our Lakewood periodontist is the person you contact when your gums are swollen and red, bleed when you brush them, you have persistent bad breathe or any other signs of gum disease.