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Treating Advanced Gum Disease Is a Bit More Involved |
Posted on 5/24/2021 by Todd Jorgenson |
 While treating the early stages of gum disease mainly involves a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing or SRP), the advanced stages may entail surgical procedures to slow down the advanced infection.
How Advanced Gum Disease Is Treated
Once gum disease has advanced, we often recommend surgery to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and regenerate the gum tissue. One of the regular procedures we perform is pocket reduction surgery. This surgery is recommended when periodontitis becomes more severe. For example, if a scaling and root planing (SRP) cannot keep deep pockets adequately clean, pocket reduction surgery or flap surgery can help. By folding back the gum tissue, we can remove infectious germs and smooth the damaged bone so the gum can reattach itself to the bone.
Gum Grafting and Bone Grafts
If the gums feature recession, and tooth roots are exposed, we can use gum grafts to cover the areas. We usually take tissue from the palate or a nearby source, to cover the roots that have become exposed. By taking this step, we can reduce tooth sensitivity, protect the gums from further decay, and stop bone loss. Bone grafts may also be recommended to build up the bone that has been lost to advanced gum disease.
Other Procedures: Laser Treatments and Treating Abscesses
Periodontal laser treatments represent a less invasive approach and more precisely target infected areas. By using this type of therapy, we do not have to use sutures, so we can speed up recovery time. This therapy is often prescribed for patients who have lower thresholds when it comes to pain or discomfort. Sometimes, we may need treat a pus-filled sac, called an abscess. We usually drain the abscess and clean out the infection. We may also prescribe antibiotics.
Regardless of the treatment approach we take, we encourage patients to respond fast to advanced gum disease. Doing so can help you preserve your gum health by re-growing the bone or regenerating the gum tissue. If you need periodontal treatment, give us a call to schedule an exam and consultation now.
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