Periodontal Therapy Supports Good Oral Health
At Contemporary Dental Arts, Dr. Lauren Shanard offers a comprehensive range of dental services that allow her patients to restore and/or maintain a smile that is strong, healthy, and beautiful. While many of these services focus on the teeth, Dr. Shanard also offers a number of periodontal treatments. It is important for patients to realize that good oral health relates to the state of the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of the mouth. All of these components work together to create a fully functional smile. If the health of the gums suffers, the health of the teeth will likely deteriorate as well. The periodontal therapy that Dr. Shanard offers her Williston, VT patients ensures that the teeth will be supported by a healthy and stable gum line.
IMPORTANCE OF GUM HEALTH
When most people discuss the health or function of their smile, what they are really talking about is their teeth. People often fail to realize just how important the gums are when it comes to the health and strength of the smile. The gums provide a foundation for the teeth. Gum tissues wrap around the base of the teeth and hold them in place so they are stable enough to bite and chew. If the gums become infected due to the presence of bacteria, plaque, or tartar, they may pull away from the teeth, resulting in loose teeth or even tooth loss. Gum health is also important to a person’s overall physical health. Gum disease has been linked to heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. All of this just reaffirms how important it is to care for the gums.
PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS
Dr. Shanard realizes how important it is for her patients to maintain healthy gum tissue. Aside from routine dental exams and cleanings, which help patients maintain clean, healthy gums, she also offers treatments that address periodontal conditions such as gum disease. Each treatment will be customized to address the patient’s unique needs and concerns. The two most common types of periodontal therapy performed at our dental practice are soft tissue grafting and scaling and root planing procedures.
- Scaling and root planing: This treatment is basically a more extensive version of a routine dental cleaning. We will scale the teeth to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on the surface. Rather than stopping at the gum line, we will reach beneath the gum tissues to ensure that any infection-causing bacteria is removed. The roots of the teeth will also be planed, or smoothed, to eliminate rough patches. Bacteria tends to cling to rough surfaces of the tooth, so this process helps to prevent decay and makes it easier for gum tissue to adhere to the teeth.
- Soft tissue graft: Many patients are able to successfully restore the health of their gums by undergoing scaling and root planing. However, if there are significant gaps between the teeth and gum line, a soft tissue graft may be necessary. During this procedure, soft tissue will be collected from the palate (or another area of the mouth) and grafted onto the gum line. As the graft heals, the tissue will rebuild the gum line to conceal and protect the roots of the teeth.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
At Contemporary Dental Arts, patients will find a comprehensive range of dental treatments, including periodontal therapy, that makes it easier to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. If you are interested in learning how these services can enhance the strength, function, and beauty of your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lauren J. Shanard at your earliest convenience.