How Periodontists Can Help Save Your Natural Teeth

One of the goals of dentists, periodontists, and medical professionals is general is to preserve the natural tooth whenever possible. If tooth loss does occur, periodontists offer procedures like dental implants to replace missing teeth. But, before tooth loss or gum disease becomes that serious, trusted and experienced periodontists, like Dr. Adam Ohayon at The Perio Centre often recommends periodontal treatments like gum grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and periodontal flap surgery to minimize the progression of advanced gum disease and protect the longevity of your natural smile. To learn more about how to preserve and protect your smile with periodontal treatments, book a consultation with a trusted periodontist serving Whitby, Oshawa, and the surrounding areas. At The Perio Centre, Dr. Adam Ohayon and our team of experienced experts offer comprehensive care supported by many years of experience and powered by advanced technology that allow for more thorough assessments and precise planning. 

To learn more about how skilled periodontists can extend the lifespan of your natural teeth, read on. 

What Puts You At Risk for Tooth Loss?

Tooth loss is often the result of progressive gum disease, untreated dental issues, or trauma. One of the most common causes is periodontal disease, an advanced gum disease where bacteria gradually deteriorates the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Without treatment, gum recession and bone loss can eventually lead to tooth loss because the structure of the tooth is no longer secure. Other risk factors that advance the progress of gum disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, and genetic predisposition.

When gum disease is caught early, non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing can help manage the infection. But in more advanced cases, surgical periodontal treatments with skilled periodontists in Whitby may be necessary to prevent further damage and save your natural teeth.

Here are some treatments your periodontists use to protect your gums and smile. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Before gum disease progresses to an advanced stage, scaling and root planing is often the first line of treatment. This deep cleaning procedure clears out any plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gum line, reducing inflammation and preventing further damage. Scaling involves removing bacteria and hardened deposits from the tooth surfaces. Root planing smooths the surfaces of the root to help the gums reattach. This non-surgical approach is highly effective in managing early periodontal disease and slowing its progression. For patients in Whitby and Oshawa, periodontists like Dr. Adam Ohayon provide this essential treatment to preserve gum and bone health. At The Perio Centre, we are equipped with advanced technology, including laser technology for more comfortable treatment. 

Gum Grafting

Gum recession exposes the tooth roots, making them more sensitive and vulnerable to bacteria, infection and decay. Gum grafting is a standard procedure offered by periodontists. The periodontal treatment is designed to restore lost gum tissue and protect teeth from further damage.

During the procedure, Dr. Adam Ohayon, an experienced periodontist, takes healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth, often the roof of the mouth, or a donor source, and strategically places it over the areas where the gums have receded. Over time, the graft integrates with the existing gum tissue, providing protection and improving the appearance of the smile.

Patients who undergo gum grafting surgery often notice reduced sensitivity, improved gum coverage, and periodontists report a lower risk of further gum disease. The in which the periodontal treatment takes to heal can vary but overall the procedure can minimize the chance of tooth loss in the affected areas by strengthening the gum’s hold around the tooth. 

Periodontal Flap Surgery

When gum disease progresses to a more advanced stage, bacteria can accumulate deep beneath the gum line, making it impossible when brushing or flossing at-home daily oral care routine. When periodontal pockets are severe, getting a proper clean can be a challenge even during professional dental cleanings, requiring the tools and skill of a reputable periodontist. To close gaps and pockets in the gums,  periodontal flap surgery is offered by periodontists. The procedure will result in a gums that fit more closely to the gums and teeth reducing the opportunity for infection and enhancing your ability to maintain oral hygiene.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

When gum disease leads to significant bone loss, guided tissue regeneration can help stimulate the regrowth of lost bone and gum tissue. This procedure is often used in combination with other periodontal treatments to provide long-term stability for the teeth.

During this procedure, your periodontist will place a special membrane between the gum and bone, preventing unwanted tissue from growing into the area while encouraging new bone and tissue to form. Over time, this helps rebuild the supporting structures around the teeth, improving their stability and longevity.

This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients who are at risk of losing teeth due to advanced gum disease. By strengthening the foundation around the teeth, guided tissue regeneration can significantly extend the lifespan of natural teeth.

What to Do About Tooth Loss?

Despite the best efforts to save natural teeth, tooth loss can still occur in some cases. When this happens, replacing missing teeth is crucial to maintaining overall oral health. Without a replacement, the neighbouring teeth may shift, bone loss can accelerate, and chewing and talking ability can become impaired, interfering with your social confidence and access to nutrition. 

One of the most highly recommended treatment options for tooth loss by dental professionals and periodontists in Whitby is dental implants. A dental implant is one of the most effective solutions for tooth loss. Implants mimic the function of natural teeth by replacing both the tooth and its root. The process involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jaw bone, which serves as a strong foundation for a replacement tooth. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant through a process called “osseointegration”, creating a stable and long-lasting solution.

Investing in dental implants offers numerous benefits beyond extending the lifespan of your smile and enhancing your quality of life. High-quality, surgical-grade dental implants improve chewing function, natural smile aesthetics, and prevent bone loss by stimulating the jaw. 

Protect Your Smile with Long-Lasting Periodontal Treatments

At The Perio Centre, our team is committed to protecting, preserving, and prolonging your smile. Dr. Adam Ohayon and our team of experts offer a number of treatments and services designed to reverse and minimize the effects of gum disease so you can eat, laugh, smile and live better. If you’re concerned about gum disease or tooth loss, book a consultation with our periodontists serving Whitby, Oshawa, and the nearby areas. 

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