In its earliest stages, gum disease (also called periodontal disease) causes mild inflammation. As the disease progresses, it can cause permanent damage, and it can have a devastating impact on your oral tissues! The good news is that, even if that happens to you, there is still hope! Advanced procedures, such as periodontal regeneration, may be able to help. What exactly is periodontal regeneration? This blog post explains some key details.
The Goal of Periodontal Regeneration
Gum disease can cause pockets to form between your gums and the roots of your teeth. It can also destroy the portion of the jawbone that supports your teeth, causing them to become loose.
The goal of periodontal regeneration is to fight gum disease, as well as restore lost and damaged tissues. This has the potential to prevent the need for tooth extraction, and improve your oral function.
What Does Periodontal Regeneration Involve?
Periodontal regeneration is a surgical procedure that is usually performed by periodontists (dentists who have special expertise in the treatment of gum disease).
During the procedure, harmful bacteria and plaque will be removed from periodontal pockets to create a clean foundation for healing. Once diseased tissue has been removed, your doctor may place a bone graft, use guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membranes or a biologically active material to make sure new tissues are able to develop properly. The area is then gently closed to protect it while the regenerative process begins.
Initial recovery usually takes several days, but full healing may take a year or longer.
Who Is a Candidate for Periodontal Regeneration?
A qualified periodontist is the best person to let you know if periodontal regeneration is right for you. It is usually reserved for patients with moderate or severe gum disease; if your condition is mild, you may be able to find success with more conservative approaches. Candidates for periodontal regeneration should also be committed to good habits and be well enough to undergo a minor surgical procedure. Your periodontal care team will evaluate all such factors before recommending the best way for you to fight gum disease.
Periodontal regeneration is a remarkable procedure that has the potential to preserve your smile! Make an appointment with one of our periodontists today if you have questions about it and how it works.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Scott Lightfoot is a board-certified periodontist who is committed to excellence in everything he does. Under his leadership, our team offers advanced periodontal services at four conveniently located offices in Braintree, Duxbury, Hingham, and Norwood. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact us at 781-762-9332.