Periodontics in North Hollywood – Expert Care for Healthy Gums
Periodontal disease occurs when the gums and jawbone become infected, often progressing without noticeable symptoms. Many patients are unaware they have gum disease until they visit a dentist. At Pacific Dental Group in North Hollywood, we specialize in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease using advanced and effective methods to restore gum health and prevent further complications.
Common Periodontal Treatments
Gum Graft Surgery
Gum graft surgery is recommended when gum recession exposes the tooth root, making teeth appear longer than normal. Gum recession is a common consequence of gum disease and can significantly affect the appearance of your smile. This procedure involves surgically replacing lost gum tissue with new tissue, covering the recessed area to restore a natural gum line. Gum grafting can be performed on one or multiple teeth to create a balanced, healthier-looking smile.
Laser Gum Surgery
For patients who may delay treatment due to fear of traditional surgery, laser gum surgery offers a minimally invasive alternative. Traditional gum disease treatment involved cutting the gum tissue, removing bacteria, and closing the wound with stitches, requiring up to four weeks of recovery. Laser gum surgery, however, requires only two short appointments and results in minimal bleeding, reduced sensitivity, and a lower risk of infection, providing a quicker and more comfortable healing process.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure that removes hardened plaque and bacteria from below the gumline. When plaque builds up over time, it can irritate the gums, causing them to bleed while brushing or eating certain foods. This treatment involves:
- Numbing the gums and tooth roots with a local anesthetic
- Using an ultrasonic tool to remove plaque buildup
- Placing antibiotic fibers into the gum pockets to help prevent infection
This procedure helps reduce inflammation, improve gum attachment to the teeth, and prevent further progression of periodontal disease.
Dental Crown Lengthening
Dental crown lengthening is a procedure used to reshape the gum line and expose more of the tooth structure. This treatment is often recommended for patients diagnosed with a “gummy smile,” where excessive gum tissue covers the teeth. By removing excess gum tissue, bone, or both, more of the natural tooth is revealed, improving both function and aesthetics.
Root Surface Debridement
Root surface debridement is a more comprehensive periodontal treatment focused on controlling bacterial infection rather than just removing it. This procedure involves cleaning not only the root surfaces but also the pocket space, pocket walls, and underlying gum tissue to eliminate harmful bacteria and promote gum healing.
Protect Your Gum Health with Expert Periodontal Care
Gum disease can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated. Our team at Pacific Dental Group provides personalized periodontal treatments to help restore and maintain healthy gums.
Call our Pacific Dental Group office at North Hollywood 747-351-3022 for an appointment.