Regenerative Procedures at Our Belmont, MA, Facility
Belmont Dental Group performs a variety of different regenerative procedures at our dental office in Belmont, MA. Many of the issues we treat are related to periodontal disease, which is an extremely serious, progressive condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. This disease occurs when bacterial infection in the gum pockets causes bone and gum tissue recession. The quality and quantity of bone and gum tissue is greatly reduced as the gum pockets continue to deepen. Fortunately, prompt diagnosis combined with effective regenerative procedures can halt the progression of the disease and save the teeth.
There are many regenerative dental procedures available to restore health to the gums, bone, and teeth. Here’s a closer look at a few that we often use to treat patients at our office.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are used in combination as a regenerative procedure. These two techniques provide deep cleaning and help address periodontal disease. After these treatments, gum pockets may be treated with antibiotics to help soothe irritation and promote healing. Scaling is performed with special dental instruments that remove calculus and plaque from the surface of the crown and root surfaces. In many cases, the scaling tool includes an irrigation process that can also be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to reduce oral bacteria.
Root planing is a specific treatment that removes cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed in order to promote good healing. Having clean, smooth root surfaces helps bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.During the next appointment, the dentist or hygienist will thoroughly re-examine the gums to see how well the pockets have healed. If the gum pockets still measure more than 3 millimeters in depth, additional and more intensive treatments may be recommended.
Pocket Reduction Surgery, Soft Tissue Grafting
Pocket reduction surgery is a collective term for a series of several different surgeries aimed at gaining access to the roots of the teeth in order to remove bacteria and tartar. There can be a variety of reasons for this type of procedure. They include:
Reduce the spread of bacteria
Stopping bone loss
Cosmetic enhancement and more
During pocket reduction surgery, the gums will be gently pulled back from the teeth and bacteria and tartar will be removed. After this is done, periodontal scaling and root planing will generally be required to fully remove the tartar from the surface of the tooth root.
BEFORE AND AFTER
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