Dental Cleaning in Calgary NE | Gum Surgery: Periodontics In Calgary
Periodontics refers to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. Skyview Ranch Dental Clinic offers periodontics to Calgary residents that have come to rely upon us to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Good oral hygiene is your best line of defense against periodontal diseases such as periodontitis. During your appointment, we will examine and evaluate your teeth and gums to develop the best course of action.
Bacterial plaque is the most common cause of periodontal diseases. If the plaque is not removed from your teeth with brushing and flossing it will harden into tartar, which needs to be removed by a professional. Left alone, the plaque and tartar can damage your teeth and gums, causing gingivitis – inflammation of the gums around your teeth.
Persistent gingivitis can cause pockets to develop between your teeth and gums. This is where the bacteria will build up and cause periodontitis. To prevent tooth loss and other health issues that can arise from periodontal diseases be sure to get periodontics treatment in Calgary at Skyview Ranch Dental Clinic.
What Is Periodontitis?
All periodontal diseases are infections that affect the periodontium – the tissues around your teeth that support them. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. The bone around your teeth will slowly recede and microorganisms such as bacteria will stick to the surface of your teeth and multiply. This bacterium causes inflammation to your gums. If left untreated, periodontitis will eventually cause tooth loss and it may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack and other problems.
Signs you may have periodontitis include:
- Swollen gums
- New spaces between your teeth
- Tender gums
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Bleeding while brushing teeth or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Metallic taste in your mouth
- Gums that recede from your teeth
Several factors can increase your risk of getting periodontal diseases including:
- Tobacco use
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
- Some drugs
- Cancer
- Nutritional deficiencies
FAQs
What is the process and purpose of scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planning is a thorough dental procedure designed to address gum disease at its source. The process starts with scaling, where your dental hygienist or dentist carefully removes plaque and hardened tartar both above and below the gumline, especially in the pockets that have formed between the teeth and gums. Once scaling is complete, root planing follows. Here, the tooth roots are smoothed out to make it harder for bacteria and tartar to reattach, which promotes healing and helps your gums reattach to your teeth.
The primary goal of scaling and root planing is to reduce inflammation and stop the progression of periodontal disease before it leads to more significant issues, such as bone loss or tooth loss. Many patients find that this non-surgical treatment is effective enough to halt disease progression and restore gum health without the need for additional interventions. Regular follow-up cleanings and good home care are essential to maintain these results.
What is pocket depth reduction, and how does it help treat periodontal disease?
Pocket depth reduction is a procedure designed to treat the deep spaces—or “pockets”—that form between your teeth and gums due to periodontal disease. When these pockets become too deep, they are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing, allowing bacteria to thrive and cause further damage.
During the procedure, your dentist carefully cleans out the accumulated bacteria and tartar from these pockets. The gum tissue is then repositioned so it fits snugly around the tooth, which helps prevent bacteria from becoming trapped again. By reducing the depth of these pockets, this treatment lowers your risk of tooth loss and helps protect the bone and tissue that keep your smile healthy.
If you’re managing gum disease, pocket depth reduction can play a vital role in stopping the progression of the infection and maintaining your overall oral health.
What is gum graft surgery, and when is it recommended?
Gum graft surgery is a procedure used to treat receding gums and protect exposed tooth roots. During this treatment, your dentist will take a thin layer of tissue—typically from the roof of your mouth or using specialized donor material—and carefully place it over the affected area where gum tissue is lacking.
This type of surgery may be recommended if you have:
- Gum recession that exposes tooth roots
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- Risk of further gum or bone loss
- Need to improve the appearance of your smile
- Preparation for orthodontic treatment or dental implants
Gum grafts help restore lost gum tissue, lower your risk of decay along the roots, and can reduce discomfort from sensitivity. This not only protects your oral health but may also enhance how your smile looks and feels. If you notice receding gums or have been told your tooth roots are exposed, our dental team can help determine if gum graft surgery is right for you.
What is periodontal regeneration, and how does it help with bone and tissue loss?
Periodontal regeneration is a treatment used to restore the bone and gum tissue that can be lost due to advanced periodontal disease. When gum disease is left untreated, the support structures around your teeth—including both bone and gum tissue—can recede or break down. This may create gaps or “pockets” between your teeth and gums, putting your teeth at risk of becoming loose or even falling out.
To address this, your periodontist may recommend regenerative procedures. These treatments use bone grafts or special membranes to encourage your body to regrow lost bone and tissue. In some cases, soft tissue grafts are also performed to help cover exposed tooth roots and strengthen areas where gums have receded. By helping your gums and jawbone heal and regenerate, these procedures can reduce pocket depth, improve support for your teeth, and lower the risk of future tooth loss. If you’ve noticed symptoms of gum recession or have been diagnosed with periodontitis, our Calgary NE team can discuss whether periodontal regeneration is the right option for you.
How can dental procedures help reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the appearance of your smile?
Dental procedures can play an important role in reducing tooth sensitivity and giving your smile a natural, healthy appearance. One common treatment involves covering exposed tooth roots, which are often a source of sensitivity and discomfort. By using gum tissue—either prepared from your own palate or with specially processed donor material—dentists can protect sensitive roots, reducing discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods.
These procedures do more than just ease sensitivity. They can also restore gum tissue where it has receded, helping to prevent further oral health problems and supporting the overall health of your teeth. In some cases, they are recommended before starting orthodontic treatment or to ensure that dental implants blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Beyond comfort and protection, these treatments can also improve the look of your gums and teeth, giving you a more confident smile. If you’re experiencing gum recession or tooth sensitivity, ask us about the periodontal options at Skyview Ranch Dental Clinic. Our team is here to help you achieve a healthier, more comfortable smile.
What is socket preservation, and how does it minimize bone loss after tooth extraction?
Socket preservation is a dental procedure designed to help protect the jawbone following the removal of a tooth. When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone can shrink or recede over time, which may lead to challenges if you’re planning to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant in the future.
To minimize bone loss, the empty socket is typically filled with a special bone graft material—either natural bone or a safe synthetic substitute. This helps maintain the shape and volume of your jawbone as your body heals. Healing generally takes about four to twelve months, and during this period, the graft material encourages new bone growth in the area.
By preserving the socket, your dentist helps ensure there’s enough healthy bone for possible future procedures—like implants, and prevents changes in the facial structure that can occur after tooth loss. If you have questions about socket preservation or other options for replacing a missing tooth, our team is happy to guide you through the best choices for your dental health.
How long is the typical healing time after procedures like sinus augmentation, ridge modification, or socket preservation before implants can be placed?
Healing Time Before Dental Implants
If you undergo procedures such as sinus augmentation, ridge modification, or socket preservation, the healing period before dental implants can typically range from four to twelve months. This timeframe allows your bone and gum tissue to recover and build a healthy foundation for the implant properly. The exact duration depends on your individual case, the complexity of the procedure, and how your body responds to healing. Your dentist will assess your progress during follow-up visits and let you know when your mouth is ready for the next step.
What is ridge modification, and why is it performed before implant placement?
Sometimes, before placing a dental implant, additional steps are required to ensure you have enough healthy bone to support the implant. This is where ridge modification comes in. Ridge modification is a surgical procedure used to rebuild areas of the jawbone that have become too thin or uneven—often as a result of gum disease, tooth loss, wearing dentures, or injury.
During ridge modification, your dentist or dental specialist adds bone material or a bone substitute to the affected area, helping restore the bone to a suitable shape and size for secure implant placement. This creates a solid foundation for your future dental implant, improving the chances of long-term success.
Once ridge modification is complete, it’s important to allow the area to heal and for new bone to form. Healing times can vary, but typically range from four to twelve months. After healing, you’ll be ready for the next step—placing your dental implant with confidence in a strong and stable foundation.
What is crown lengthening, and why might someone need it?
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure designed to reveal more of your natural tooth by carefully removing or reshaping excess gum tissue—and, in some cases, a small amount of bone. This treatment can be especially helpful for patients who feel self-conscious about a “gummy smile” or who notice that their teeth appear shorter than they should be.
By adjusting the gum line, crown lengthening creates a balanced, proportionate look between your teeth and gums, which can make your smile appear more even and attractive. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend this procedure to allow for the proper placement of a dental crown or filling if there isn’t enough healthy tooth showing above the gum line. This not only supports cosmetic improvements but also helps restore the function and health of your tooth.
Whether you need it for aesthetic reasons, such as enhancing your smile, or for medical reasons, like preparing a tooth for a filling or crown, crown lengthening can play an important role in both oral health and appearance.
What is conscious sedation, and how does it help manage anxiety during dental procedures?
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, conscious sedation can make your experience much more comfortable. Conscious sedation is a technique used to help you relax during dental procedures. Unlike general anesthesia, which makes you completely unconscious, conscious sedation keeps you awake but in a calm and stress-free state.
This safe method involves medication that eases nervousness and helps you feel at ease while still allowing you to respond to questions or directions. Many people find that conscious sedation significantly reduces feelings of fear or apprehension, making dental treatments smoother and less stressful.
If you have concerns about anxiety during dental visits or want to learn more about how conscious sedation can benefit you, our team at Skyview Ranch Dental Clinic is happy to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.
What is sinus augmentation, and when is it necessary for dental implants?
Sinus augmentation, also known as a sinus lift, is a specialized dental procedure sometimes required before placing implants in the upper back area of your jaw. This part of the mouth often has less bone available, since the upper jawbone is naturally thinner and sits close to the sinus cavity.
When there isn’t enough bone to securely place an implant, often due to bone loss or the proximity of the sinus, it becomes necessary to raise the sinus floor gently. By lifting this area, your dentist can add bone graft material, creating the stable foundation needed for a dental implant to succeed.
After this procedure, a healing period of several months is usually required to allow the new bone to grow and strengthen. Once proper healing has taken place, dental implants can safely and effectively be placed. Sinus augmentation is a proven way to increase your chances of long-lasting, successful dental implants in areas where bone may be insufficient.
What are dental implants, and who is a good candidate for them?
Dental implants are specialized posts, typically made of titanium, that are surgically anchored into your jawbone to serve as sturdy foundations for replacement teeth. These artificial roots are designed to function much like your natural tooth roots, providing support and stability for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Ideal candidates for dental implants are individuals with generally good oral and overall health who may have lost teeth due to gum disease, injury, or other causes. Adequate bone density in the jaw and healthy gums are crucial for successful implantation, as they ensure the implants remain securely in place. Dental implants can be a long-lasting solution for many patients, helping to restore confidence, comfort, and oral function.
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