Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the gums and bones surrounding your teeth. Your teeth rely on your gums and bones to provide a strong foundation. Regular checkups and cleaning are an important part of keeping your gums and bone healthy, and avoiding gum disease.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, starts with a chronic bacterial infection that damages the gingival tissues (gums) and bones that support certain teeth. Common signs and symptoms of gum disease are swollen, puffy and bleeding gums; loose teeth; abscesses in the gums; bad breath; teeth that seem to get longer; and sensitivity to temperature. Gum disease could lead to teeth becoming looser, infection, and the early loss of teeth. It’s important to manage gum disease with early detection and regular treatments.
Alloderm
Alloderm is a way to graft regenerative tissue onto your gums to help them become healthy again. It can cover the roots around teeth and augment the gums. Alloderm supports regeneration by letting blood flow back to the area and improving the cells in the area. It actually transforms into host tissue that is strong and natural.
Bone Grafting (ridge preservation)
When a tooth is lost, it creates an opening in the bone. The bone is used to being stimulated by the tooth root, but without the root it starts to collapse and shrink. Too much bone loss could make it impossible to put in a dental implant later. Instead, we need to preserve the bone’s natural ridge contours and keep the surrounding bone strong—something bone grafting can help achieve.
Gingival Grafts
When too much of the root around a tooth is exposed, we consider doing a gingival graft. Gingival grafts are also called gum grafts or periodontal plastic surgery. A gingival graft is a surgical procedure where we take tissue from another part of your mouth and use it to cover a tooth root that is exposed. We do gingival grafts in order to prevent more root exposure, as well as to decrease tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.
If you need more information about Periodontics in Hamilton, contact us today.