Periodontics

Periodontics

Periodontics is a sub-field of dentistry that concerns the supporting structures of teeth, most notably the gums and mouth bones. One of the most common oral health issues affecting people today is periodontal disease, better known as gum disease. This condition is easily recognized by the infection and inflammation of the sufferer’s gums. If gum disease is left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the mouth, including the jawbone and the connective tissue of teeth. Once this happens, it is very possible that tooth loss will occur.

At Irving Dental, we understand the serious dangers associated with gum disease. That is why we advise any patient suffering from the condition to seek treatment as quickly as possible. Our experts provide several treatment options for gum disease that are designed to restore the function and appearance of a patient’s teeth and gums and prevent the condition from reoccurring.

Dental Crown Lengthening

A major side effect of gum disease is a “gummy” smile that is caused by inflamed gum tissue. This problem can be addressed by using a special cosmetic procedure called dental crown lengthening. This treatment involves removing and reshaping a person’s excess gum tissue to expose more of their natural teeth. The procedure is also used to access teeth that have become damaged below the gum line, allowing them to be restored.

Scaling

Scaling is a common treatment method for gum disease that is designed to remove excessive accumulations of plaque, tartar and toxins that have built-up above and below a person’s gum line. Specialized dental tools are used to access the areas deep within the mouth so that any accumulated plaque can be fully removed. These areas cannot normally be reached with brushing or flossing, making scaling an effective method for cleaning deep within a person’s mouth.

Root Planing

Often conducted alongside scaling, root planing is a process designed to prevent gum disease from reoccurring. The treatment involves smoothing out the rough spots that are present on the root surfaces of teeth. This stops future buildups of plaque from developing, giving the gums an opportunity to fully heal.

Bone Grafting

If gum disease reaches a person’s jawbone, it might cause the bone to begin to deteriorate. When this happens, a bone grafting procedure can be used to regenerate the jawbone and restore it to proper health. A bone grafting procedure consists of applying artificial bone material and special proteins to the damaged jawbone in order to encourage new bone growth. In many cases, this treatment is provided for patients who require dental implants which require a jawbone strong enough to support them.

If you would like to learn more about our available treatment options for gum disease, please call us at (972) 313-2002 to schedule an appointment.