At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we have decades of experience treating general dental needs, as well as the most complicated cosmetic and reconstructive concerns. Periodontal disease is a degenerative disorder of the gums and boney tissue surrounding teeth.
This disease is caused by genetic propensities as well as by accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth which causes an inflammatory response. It is that response which causes further breakdown of tissues which can lead to tooth loss. Treatment of this disease must be done by team approach. The members of that team begin with the patient, Hygienist and Dr. Rioseco. In more advanced stages of disease, patients may be asked to have a specialist or periodontist brought onto the team. Our periodontal treatments include the following:
- Comprehensive periodontal exam - This exam pays particularly close attention to the gums and surrounding structures of the teeth. We are looking for periodontal pockets around the teeth that can harbor bacterial plaque, tartar and inflammatory components.
- Scaling and root planing can be done with local anesthesia, in order to remove plaque and tartar that is deposited deep in the pockets and on the root surfaces of the teeth.
- Placement of local chemotherapeutic agents and antimicrobial chips can be done to combat bacterial levels in pockets. We prefer the use of Arestin in deep pockets to continue the fight against bacteria long after the scaling is completed.
- Minor gingival surgeries can be performed for pocket reduction as well as for aesthetic enhancement of the gingival architecture.
- Periodontal maintenance visits can involve more frequent cleaning of the teeth by the doctor and hygienists for patients with greater tendencies toward disease and patients who have had a history of periodontal disease. These visits usually occur on a three month basis.
- Periodontal maintenance on teens with braces should occur more frequently than on children without braces and with better hygiene habits.