Periodontal Services in Kissimmee & Melbourne

There are three types of gum grafts: connective-tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and pedicle grafts. Connective-tissue grafts are most commonly used because the procedure involves taking a flap of healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth then stitching it over the precise area suffering from an exposed root and gum recession. Free gingival grafts involve the same process as connective-tissue grafts except that the tissue is specifically taken from the palate of the mouth. Lastly, pedicle grafts use the tissue next to the affected tooth in need of repair.

During a gum graft procedure, the patient doesn’t feel a thing as we use a local anesthetic to keep them pain-free. After the operation, the patient may experience some soreness and slight discomfort, which can be effectively treated with a combination of rest, cold compresses, and, if needed, prescription medication. With proper care, the gum graft will protect the previously exposed root and serve as a healthier gum line, restoring your smile and confidence.

The procedure itself is performed with the help of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. A tiny laser fiber is then inserted between the tooth and gum, ridding the area of bacteria and infection. Your dentist will then clear away any tartar or plaque and apply the laser once more for a more thorough cleaning and finally seal the pocket. As only local anesthetics are used, you may experience slight discomfort and numbness following the procedure, but can otherwise return to your daily activities.

The highly advanced laser allows for precise handling from your dentist which makes for a minimally invasive treatment requiring no cuts or incisions. The LANAP laser also provides patients with a quicker recovery time, little to no postoperative pain, and the stimulation of tissue regeneration. This process has even been known to reverse gum disease and eliminate unwanted pockets.

When your gums become inflamed, bacteria hides in pockets that trigger the gums to push away from the teeth. Once these layers or pockets have been formed, it is nearly impossible to clean them with just brushing alone. This is where scaling and root planing becomes necessary. During the scaling portion of this conventional periodontal therapy, our team will use a scaling tool to remove any plaque, bacteria, and tartar around the affected tooth and below the gumline all the way to the bottom of the infected pocket.

After the scaling is complete, we will move onto root planing. The root planing technique is used to smooth out the tooth’s root and ultimately remove the pocket caused by bacteria. When the root has been effectively smoothed, the gums can be reattached and have a greater chance of fully healing.

Some patients report mild discomfort during the procedure and increased sensitivity after the treatment is complete, but with a personalized treatment plan, we can help manage any discomfort and pain. Moving forward, practicing good oral hygiene is paramount for making sure that periodontal disease doesn’t become worse after seeking initial treatment at our office.

Before we begin treatment, we will first meet to learn more about your desired results as well as determine if crown lengthening is the best procedure for you. Factors such as oral hygiene and gum health will determine the best course of action and treatment plan. During the dental crown lengthening procedure, our team will remove excess gum and bone tissue to reshape the tooth to expose a more natural tooth. This procedure can be done to just one single tooth or several, or even to your entire gum line. These changes can be done for restorative or cosmetic purposes depending on your needs.

The recovery time for the crown lengthening procedure is approximately three months. As your gums heal, you’ll be able to resume normal habits and functions. In recovery, you will be asked to avoid demanding activities during the first two to three days after your operation. Some patients report mild discomfort during the procedure and increased sensitivity after the treatment is complete, but with a personalized treatment plan we can help manage any discomfort and pain. Moving forward, practicing good oral hygiene is paramount.

Signs and Stages of Gum Disease
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease are noticeable without a visit to the dentist. You could see redness and swelling in the gums. They might have receded from the tooth. Also, your gums could be sore when you brush your teeth, and you might notice blood when you spit out the toothpaste. Although you can notice many of these signs yourself, it’s smart to get a thorough exam from a dentist. The dentist can identify signs that might be hard for you to notice, such as subtle swelling, and will determine how much the disease has progressed.

Gum disease has different stages. In the beginning, it is gingivitis. This is a milder form that can be reversed with proper dental care because it has not yet created severe damage. If this type is not treated, it can lead to the next stage, which is periodontitis. At this point, there is damage to the bone and surrounding area that cannot be undone. Nonetheless, dental treatment and proper maintenance at home can help you stop the problem from progressing further and manage it. When gum disease has reached its worst stage, it is known as advanced periodontitis. This type causes extensive damage to the structures that hold your teeth in place, which can cause the loss of teeth and the need for extensive treatment to fix the problem.

Gum Disease Treatment
At Stellar Family Dental, we can treat all stages of gum disease for patients in Kissimmee & Melbourne. The earlier we can catch this problem, the better, which is why it’s important to have regular checkups. Nonetheless, we can still improve the health of your mouth if the disease has already progressed. Our services help prevent and reverse early gum disease, stop it from worsening and provide treatments for more advanced cases. To get a checkup or address signs and symptoms of gum disease, call our office to set up your appointment.