Periodontal Therapy

Scaling and root planing is the processes of removing the buildup of plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots. The area is numbed and the periodontist will access the root surface to remove plaque, bacterial toxins, and tartar. 

Root planing then smooths the rough patches on the roots’ surfaces to prevent future bacteria and plaque accumulation below the gumline, enabling gums to properly heal and reattach to the tooth. In the case where non-surgical therapy does not resolve in sufficient pocket depth reduction, further surgical pocket reduction may be necessary.  

Periodontal disease can cause severe damage to the teeth, gums, supporting bone and overall health. Through advanced technology offered at the Vista Dental Care, such damage can be restored through regenerative procedures to improve patients’ oral health. Periodontal therapy aims not only to stop the progression of periodontal disease, but to also regenerate the structures lost as a result. 

For example, in the case of any periodontitis, when the infection spreads beyond the gum line, gums can begin to separate from the bone, creating ‘pockets’ around the teeth, where bacteria can deeply penetrate and cause the gum tissue and supporting bone to deteriorate. A periodontist will perform an ‘osseous,’ or pocket reduction surgery, where they fold back the gum tissue to deeply clean the infected area. A bone graft in conjunction with membranes, like those containing platelet rich fibrin, can be inserted to the surgical site to reduce pocket depths, and repair the damage caused by periodontal disease

Are you self-conscious because your gums are receding or uneven?  The gums and teeth may require cosmetic and corrective treatment for several reasons. Factors like periodontal disease, trauma, age, and birth defects all contribute to this possibility. Receding gums can expose the tooth roots, causing gums to appear unhealthy, uneven and unattractive. A gum graft surgery performed by board-certified periodontists is a cosmetically corrective treatment to give you the even, stunning smile you desire, and protect the roots for healthy longevity. Gum grafting surgery is a fantastic option for patients who want to align their gum line and show off a beautiful, full smile

Gum pigmentation is not a cause for medical concern, and is therefore considered a cosmetic procedure done to improve the aesthetics of one’s smile. For many, dark gums can affect their self confidence, and hinder their self-esteem when speaking and smiling. Gum depigmentation, also known as gum bleaching, is a cosmetic periodontal procedure used to remove dark spots on the gums. 

Normal, healthy gum tissue will typically appear pale pink in color. However, in the case of gum depigmentation, abnormally high amounts of melanin can cause dark spots and patches to appear on the tissue. This discoloration can affect the appearance of your smile and result in decreased confidence and self-esteem for many men and women.