Periodontal Care in Salt Lake City, UT

It should not be taken for granted that we would lose teeth as we age. The chances of keeping our natural teeth for life increase if we keep up good oral hygiene and have regular oral examinations and professional cleanings. This oral care covers the teeth, the gums, and the tooth-supporting bone. 

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that is a threat to these supporting tissues. At Brighton Dental in Salt Lake City, Utah, we, as dental professionals, are always looking for early signs that patients may overlook. When signs of trouble become evident, periodontal therapy may be recommended.

What Is Periodontal Care?

The aim of periodontal care is always to restore diseased tissues to health. Periodontal or gum disease can spread from the gums to the bone that holds up the teeth. In the most severe cases of periodontal disease, the patient may even lose teeth. Thankfully, there are some treatments that can help prevent this disease and, by extension, tooth loss. 

Periodontal Therapy Procedures

Periodontal therapy includes surgical and non-surgical procedures that help prevent gum disease, restore periodontal tissues to health, and prevent tooth loss. They include:

• Scaling and Root Planing

These deep-cleaning techniques are the best method to control gum disease. Plaque and hardened tartar are removed from beneath the gum tissues using hand scalers and ultrasonic devices.

• Gum Grafting

Sometimes, to ensure tooth roots are adequately protected, it's necessary to replace lost gum tissue areas through gum grafting. In this procedure, the healthy gum tissue is taken from one area of the mouth and grafted to where it is required. Lab-processed donor tissue could also be used.

• Periodontal Plastic Surgery

These surgeries involve the reshaping of the gum tissues to give them a more pleasing appearance.

• Periodontal Laser Treatment

Lasers can efficiently cut away diseased gum tissue while minimizing gum shrinkage and discomfort.

• Crown Lengthening

When teeth are too enclosed by gum, a surgical treatment called crown lengthening is performed to expose more of the bone tissue. This treatment is done to cosmetically make the teeth look longer and the smile less gummy, or to have more of the tooth available on which to place a new dental crown.

How Can Periodontal Disease Be Prevented?

The periodontal disease can be prevented by employing simple, familiar methods such as flossing, brushing, and rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash. Other aspects like alcohol consumption and tobacco use can help increase your chances of developing this disease. Hence, refraining from harmful habits will have a significant impact on your oral health.

Dr. Kerry Carroll at Brighton Dental in Salt Lake City, Utah, can help provide solutions that will improve your oral health while renovating your smile. Call us today at (801) 943-2020 to schedule your dental consultation and learn more about our periodontal care.