If gingivitis goes untreated, the problem will grow worse and can eventually turn into a case of advanced periodontal disease. Periodontitis can cause damage to the bone and supporting structures around your teeth. The condition can sometimes be treated with antibiotics, but often requires a more aggressive approach. BC Perio offers some of the most advanced treatments and options for helping patients overcome periodontitis.
LANAP
LANAP™ stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. This is one of the most gentle and non-invasive methods of dealing with advanced gum disease. LANAP™ requires no cutting or sutures, making it virtually pain-free when compared to older treatment methods. A LANAP™ procedure usually requires one to two office visits.
Dr. Birdi uses a fiber-optic laser to target and destroy the bacteria that cause periodontitis. An ultrasound device then breaks up the plaque deposits in the periodontal pocket. The laser is then used again to remove any diseased tissue, so healthy gum tissue can reattach to the tooth. There is no blood and very little pain, and the recovery from a LANAP™ procedure can take as little as 24 hours.
Non-Surgical Treatments
If the gum disease is not too advanced, a non-surgical approach might be attempted. Scaling and root planing (SRP) involves scraping the plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces. Any rough spots on the roots are then smoothed over so bacteria cannot gather again. Even though it is non-surgical, SRP may require a local anesthetic.
Pocket Reduction
A pocket reduction, or flap surgery, is the more traditional method of treating advanced periodotitis. This procedure involves folding the gum tissue back from the teeth so the dentist can then remove bacteria and smooth out the roots. This procedure could require multiple sessions and a lengthy, often painful, recovery time. Therefore, BC Perio Dental Health and Implant Centre highly recommends the LANAP™ procedure as an alternative.
Gum Grafts
Gum loss from periodontitis can lead to exposed roots and sensitive teeth. If a patient has experienced heavy gum loss, he or she might be a candidate for the gum graft procedure. This is a surgical procedure in which gum tissue is taken from the patient’s palate and grafted onto the desired area. Covering up exposed roots can reduce sensitivity and prevent future gum disease from recurring.
Bone Grafts
The supporting bone structures around teeth can be destroyed by advanced periodontitis. For cases as serious as this, bone grafting can be a regenerative treatment that allows the patient to regrow healthy bone and tissue. Once bacteria is eliminated, the dentist can graft either synthetic or natural bone to the area where loss has occurred. Tissue-stimulating proteins can then be used to promote healthy bone and tissue growth.
When you consider the pain and recovery time required with more traditional treatments, it’s easy to see why the LANAP™ procedure is the most-preferred method of dealing with advanced periodontitis. Contact BC Perio Dental Health and Implant Centre today to schedule your next appointment.