What Services Does a Periodontist Provide?

A periodontist provides a variety of services. These include scaling, root planing, connective tissue grafting, and pocket reduction. Let’s take a closer look at these different services. 

Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are two dental procedures that a periodontist can perform. Both procedures can help to prevent the onset of periodontal disease by removing the bacteria-filled tartar and plaque from the teeth. This procedure can also help prevent the need for future surgeries. It can also help improve the appearance of your teeth and gums.

For instance, periodontist Austin explained that scaling and root planing remove tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth and root surfaces and reduce pockets. They also help improve the gums’ health, making them easier to clean. After these procedures, a periodontist may prescribe antibiotic therapy to reduce inflammation and promote a faster healing response. Sometimes, desensitizing medicines are also prescribed.

Patients who require these services will most likely need more than one appointment. The procedure can take several days, and patients may even need follow-up visits for a week or two. 

Connective Tissue Grafting

Connective tissue grafting is a surgical procedure performed by dental experts, like those at Central Texas Perio, that uses a flap of gum tissue taken from another part of the patient’s mouth and stitched to the area where the gums have receded. This procedure is often used to correct tooth sensitivity or protect teeth from plaque. The process also improves the gums’ appearance. When gum tissue has receded too far from the tooth, the root of the tooth is exposed. Gum recession causes increased sensitivity, periodontal disease, and possibly tooth loss. A periodontist can use gum tissue taken from the roof of the mouth to cover an exposed tooth root. This procedure is often performed on just one visit.

Root Exposure Treatment

Root exposure treatment involves restoring the gums to cover the exposed root. It aims to treat the root exposure problem gently and effectively. This procedure requires several visits. In some cases, the gum tissue is harvested from other healthy parts of the mouth and transplanted to the exposed root.

Root exposure treatment is a common procedure that a periodontist performs. During the procedure, the periodontist cuts a flap of skin on the roof of the mouth. The periodontist then removes a piece of sub-epithelial connective tissue and stitches it onto the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. This flap is then stitched back down.

Pocket Reduction

A periodontist can perform pocket reduction surgery to reduce the depth of pockets and improve gum health. The process usually involves a small incision around the teeth and the removal of bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The procedure will also involve smoothing out damaged bone so that the gum tissue can reattach to the teeth.

After the procedure, the patient will be instructed to change their diet for two weeks. Patients must avoid eating foods high in sugar and must avoid foods that will irritate the gums after the surgery. Patients are also encouraged to keep their mouths clean and stay away from smoking for at least a week. In addition, those who wear dentures may need to stop wearing them while their mouth heals.

Patients should expect minor bleeding after pocket reduction surgery, which will subside within a few days. The dentist will apply gauze to stop the bleeding, and patients are encouraged to apply ice compresses to reduce swelling. However, some patients also experience swelling, lasting up to two days.