Gum Disease Chapel Hill NC

Periodontal Therapy An Overview

Gum disease remains a leading cause of tooth loss and poor oral health among patients today. Routine dental care with Tarheel Family Dentistry in Chapel Hill can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and plays a key role in maintaining lifelong dental health.

Dr. Bhagat and Dr. Hewgley screen for the signs of gum disease during routine dental visits, and our team offers personalized care and advice for managing chronic periodontal concerns to help patients keep their gums healthy and stable between visits.

A highly-trained periodontist, Dr. Ronak Bhagat can provide comprehensive periodontal services, including oral surgery for complex issues. Oral surgical procedures, such as the placement of dental implants, are often part of a larger treatment plan. We can offer the ability to address tissue loss and damage before placing implants to ensure a lasting, stable result.

 

dentist for periodontal therapy chapel hill nc

Healthy gums support strong and stable teeth.

Tarheel Family Dentistry places an emphasis on the maintenance of your gum health as part of your preventive care dentistry in our office. The gums play an important role in both oral and overall health and wellness.

Keeping the gums healthy has been shown to reduce the risk of major health concerns such as cardiovascular disease and systemic related disease. Poor gum health can lead to tooth damage, changes in the fit of your bite, and shifting of your teeth.

Dr. Bhagat has the expertise to address gum health concerns and help patients with all stages of gum disease to resolve symptoms and restore healthy gums.

Periodontal Therapy What to Expect

When patients visit twice a year, we can spot the early signs of gum disease and prevent progression with appropriate, often conservative treatment.

The first step is to determine the stage of your gum disease and if there is any tissue damage that needs to be addressed. Dr. Bhagat will assess the condition of your gums and recommend the most suitable treatment options for removing plaque and enabling your gums to heal. Treatment options can include:

  • Antibacterial rinse: the most conservative approach to early stage gingivitis, we may recommend using an anti-bacterial rinse as part of your daily oral hygiene routine to minimize plaque on the teeth and gums. This may also be prescribed as an ongoing regimen for patients with chronic gum disease.
  • Scaling and root planing: a thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces and along the gumline, scaling and root planing also removes plaque from deep pockets where tooth roots may be exposed. The goal is to remove bacteria and allow the gum tissue to begin to heal and regenerate to avoid larger problems with the teeth.
  • Oral surgery: for patients with periodontitis and advanced gum disease, Dr. Bhagat may need to remove or repair damaged gum tissue and set the stage for the healing process.

Chronic Gum Disease

There are a range of reasons for chronic gum disease, and our team will work with you to manage your gum health on an individual basis. We may recommend that you visit with us a bit more frequently to keep the gums healthy and will often make suggestions for additional at-home care, including antibacterial rinses.

Patients who have certain medical conditions, including diabetes, may find that the health of their gums has been compromised. Certain medications can also affect saliva production, leading to a condition called dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase the risk for periodontal disease, in addition to causing bad breath and general discomfort for many patients.

Oral Surgical Treatments

Tooth Extractions: Tooth extractions rank among the most common oral surgery procedures. We often recommend removing teeth that cause pain, infection, or crowding. Wisdom teeth, in particular, frequently require extraction due to their potential to become impacted or cause crowding in the mouth.

Dental Implants: Dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. Our dental care team will place titanium posts into the jawbone, supporting crowns, or bridges.

Bone Grafts: Bone grafts and ridge augmentation can be crucial in rebuilding bone in areas where it has deteriorated. This procedure often precedes dental implant placement, especially if the jawbone lacks sufficient density to support an implant. Bone grafts can also help in cases of trauma or congenital defects. The graft material integrates with the existing bone, promoting new bone growth and increasing overall stability.

Tissue Grafting: Tissue grafting addresses gum recession and other soft tissue issues. Dr. Bhagat can take tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth or use donor tissue to cover exposed roots and improve gum health. This procedure not only enhances the appearance of the gums but also protects the teeth from further damage. Tissue grafting can prevent tooth loss and reduce sensitivity, making it an essential procedure for maintaining long-term oral health.

Tissue grafting can also be an important part of implant dentistry. If tooth loss has led to decreased soft tissue where an implant is to be placed, we can use tissue grafting to augment the area and stimulate the growth of healthy soft tissue to support a new implant.

Osseous Surgery: Osseous surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, treats advanced gum disease. Surgeons remove infected gum tissue and reshape the jawbone to eliminate pockets where bacteria thrive. This procedure helps reduce the risk of tooth loss and improves overall gum health. Patients who undergo osseous surgery often experience reduced inflammation and a lower risk of future infections.

Sinus Lifts: A sinus lift increases bone height in the upper jaw, making it possible to place dental implants in areas where bone density is low. This procedure involves lifting the sinus membrane and placing a bone graft. The graft material integrates with the existing bone, creating a solid foundation for future implants. Sinus lifts are particularly beneficial for patients who have lost upper back teeth and need additional bone support for implants.

Crown Lengthening: Do you have a gummy smile? Crown lengthening involves removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. By reshaping the gum line, crown lengthening enhances both dental health and appearance. Crown lengthening may be recommended when placing a dental crown to provide a more secure fit and better oral hygiene. Crown lengthening can improve the appearance of your smile.

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