Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, beautiful smile. Dr. Danos and his dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate periodontal care to our patients in Murfreesboro and beyond, addressing every concern from the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) to more advanced periodontitis. We utilize the latest techniques and technologies to diagnose, treat, and help you manage gum disease, ensuring the long-term health and stability of your teeth and gums.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that often begins with mild gum inflammation known as gingivitis. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults and should be taken seriously. While it can manifest as red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, it can sometimes progress without noticeable symptoms. The disease typically starts when bacteria in plaque infect the tissues surrounding the teeth, causing irritation. Over time, this infection can lead to jawbone recession and eventual tooth loosening.
Periodontal treatment may be necessary to treat gum disease at any stage, address gum recession, or restore the health of the gums before dental implant placement. Our top periodontal treatments at Danos Dental include:
Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures aimed at removing the primary culprits behind gum inflammation and bone loss: dental plaque and tartar (calculus). This thorough cleansing of the tooth surfaces and below the gum line is highly effective in treating gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and moderate to severe periodontal disease.
At Danos Dental, scaling and root planing are performed after a comprehensive oral examination, including X-rays and visual assessment. Local anesthetic may be used depending on the gum's condition, tartar buildup, pocket depth, and disease progression.
Scaling involves removing calculus and plaque from the tooth's crown and root surfaces. Ultrasonic scalers often include an irrigation system to deliver antimicrobial agents below the gums to further reduce bacteria, and root planing is a specific treatment designed to remove cementum and surface dentin embedded with microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The tooth root is smoothed to promote healing and prevent future bacterial colonization.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a procedure typically performed to improve gum tissue health or to prepare the mouth for restorative or cosmetic procedures, such as placing crowns. It can also correct a "gummy" smile by exposing more of the natural tooth by reshaping or recontouring bone and gum tissue. This treatment can be applied to a single tooth, multiple teeth, or the entire gum line for a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Excess gum tissue can make teeth appear short and increase susceptibility to gum infections. Removing this tissue can create a more balanced and attractive smile.
Bone Grafting
Periodontal disease is a primary cause of bone loss in the oral cavity, although other factors like ill-fitting dentures and facial trauma can also contribute. Bone grafting is an effective way to replace lost bone tissue and encourage natural bone regeneration. This versatile procedure can create a stable foundation for dental implant placement, halt the progression of gum disease, or enhance the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
Bone grafting is typically performed under local anesthetic, though general anesthetic may be needed for larger grafting areas. The grafting material is harvested or prepared. A small incision is made in the gum tissue, which is gently separated from the bone. The bone grafting material is placed at the affected site.
Restore Your Healthy Gums with Danos Dental
At Danos Dental in Murfreesboro, our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate periodontal care to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums and a stable foundation for your smile. Let us partner with you to achieve and maintain optimal periodontal health. Contact us today to learn more about our periodontal treatment options!
