18
Jun
Achieve Healthy, Strong Gums with Soft Tissue Management
Periodontal disease is rampant in the US, affecting nearly half of adults aged 30 plus. This oral condition can damage gums and cause tooth loss if not managed effectively. Fortunately, gum disease is treatable. Arden Park Dental Care offers non-surgical soft tissue management to keep your gums healthy.
What is periodontal disease?
Gum disease develops in stages. The earliest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which forms when plaque is left to thrive. Gingivitis causes gum inflammation, which manifests as gum tenderness, swelling, and redness. When you fail to address gingivitis, it progresses into periodontitis, which causes gums to pull away from teeth, causing deep periodontal pockets. These “pockets” create a suitable environment for tartar and unwanted bacteria to multiply. Uncontrolled oral infection destroys the periodontal gums and underlying bone, causing tooth loss.Â
What does soft tissue management involve?
Gingivitis responds to brushing, flossing, and standard cleanings because the infection is just on the surface of your teeth. However, advanced gum disease requires further interventions to prevent irreversible damage. Soft tissue management stops the infection and eliminates the deep periodontal pockets to restore oral health.
Here are the non-surgical techniques we use to restore optimal gum health. Â
- Deep teeth cleaning: Gum disease is stopped in its tracks with this non-surgical scaling and root planing method. Scaling involves using specialized instruments to remove undesired deposits from the deep periodontal pockets. Planing smoothes out the roots to remove rough spots that attract harmful bacteria. Polishing your roots also creates a healthy, clean surface that encourages tissue reattachment to the teeth. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need 3-5 periodontal cleanings to treat your disease, as treatment needs depend on the severity of the case.
- Irrigation with medicament: While scaling and root planing (SRP) are effective, the doctor may irrigate your periodontal pockets with an antimicrobial product to prevent bacterial reinfection.Â
- Laser therapy: Advanced gum disease can damage your periodontal tissues. Instead of traditional cut-and-sew surgery, laser therapy uses a high-energy light to remove the diseased tissues and unwanted tartar. Laser therapy uses a targeted approach, only removing the diseased tissues while leaving the healthy ones intact.Â
Dr. Shahnaz L. Formoli uses a conservative approach to manage gum disease. However, periodontal surgery, like grafting, may be necessary if you have suffered irreversible damage. Prompt soft tissue management avoids the need for invasive gum surgery.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (916) 280-0988 |
Existing Patients: (916) 485-4800 Request an Appointment
Who is a candidate for soft tissue management?
This conservative approach is ideal for patients grappling with periodontal disease. Since gum disease is progressive and destructive, effective management is crucial to safeguard teeth and gums. Soft tissue management removes calcified deposits and reduces periodontal pockets to stop gum infection.
Do you need soft tissue management?
Do you suspect gum disease in Sacramento, California? Visit Arden Park Dental Care before it’s too late. Call (916) 280-0988 to schedule a soft tissue management appointment with Dr. Formoli. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health.Â
