Periodontal Treatment

This can happen when a tooth breaks off at the gum line. It also can happen when a crown or filling falls out of a tooth and there is decay underneath. To place a filling or crown, your dentist needs to expose more of the tooth. This is done by removing some gum tissue or bone. Some people have a lot of gum tissue around their upper teeth. Dentists call this "gummy smile." This also can be treated with crown lengthening.

Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by a serious infection that can spread around the root of the teeth causing bone reduction and, if left untreated, tooth loss. A skilled periodontist will evaluate your condition and depending on its severity, recommend either non-surgical periodontal treatment or gum surgery.

Gingivitis can usually be reversed with non-surgical treatment. Recently, the FDA approved Decapinol, the first prescription oral mouthwash that reduces gingivitis. Decapinol, when used twice daily, acts as a barrier that inhibits the bacteria's ability to adhere to the tooth surface.

Other non-surgical periodontal treatments include scaling and root planing. This method of periodontal treatment thoroughly cleans the root surface to remove any plaque and tarter build-up. Following that, antimicrobials may be locally delivered to ward off any remaining bacteria.

Advanced gum disease often requires periodontal (gum) surgery. Gum surgery becomes the only viable periodontal treatment once the tissue around your teeth becomes too unhealthy to be repaired with non-surgical treatment.