Periodontal Disease Treatment in Savannah

Scaling and Root Planing

According to the CDC, a startlingly high number of U.S. adults struggle with periodontal disease. Roughly half of Americans over 30 has some form of this all-too-common condition. The mildest form of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis while the most advanced form is known as periodontitis.

Periodontal disease forms as a result of bacterial plaque and tartar accumulating on the teeth and gums. In its very earliest stages, periodontal disease comes with no significant symptoms. But as it progresses, you may notice some bleeding from your gums when you brush and floss, or your gum tissue may become red or swollen. In more advanced cases, it can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums.

Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning technique, is used to help patients remove harmful plaque and bacteria from below the gum line. Scaling, specifically, involves the removal of plaque and tartar deposits. The root planing phase of treatment promotes a smooth, clean surface of the roots so that the gum tissue may reattach, improving the pocket depths.

Would you like to learn more about the specifics of scaling and root planing? This non-surgical procedure has helped many patients in exactly your situation enjoy improved health and wellbeing. Call our Savannah practice today if you have questions or you’d like to schedule a consultation. Our office serves patients from Thunderbolt, Garden City, Whitemarsh Island, Isle of Hope, and all surrounding areas.

Gum/Soft Tissue Grafting

There are many causes of recession and vary from person to person. Aggressive brushing, trauma, grinding or clenching your teeth can cause these defects in the gum tissue.  Others simply have a very fragile tissue around the gum-line that recedes naturally over time with normal wear and tear. In the beginning stages, recession may go unnoticed because the root surface is similar in color to the enamel and there are few symptoms. As it progresses, you may gradually suffer from increasing cold sensitivity, develop cavities on the roots or become concerned with the appearance of your smile as more and more of the root becomes exposed. It’s easy to delay surgery, but keep in mind that with minor recession, the recovery will be easier and you’ll have a better chance of restoring all of the lost gum tissue.

To repair areas of recession, Dr. Turner may recommend gum grafting. A gum graft will help you restore the tissue you’ve lost, help prevent cavities in the roots, lessen sensitivity and improve the appearance of your teeth. During your procedure, a small piece of gum tissue is removed from the roof of your mouth and placed over the area of recession to cover the root, secured with sutures. The doctors at Savannah Periodontics take every step necessary to help you have an easy recovery. One of those steps is a thin appliance that covers the roof of your mouth while you heal. This allows you to eat and function normally while the site is healing under the appliance.

Have you lost tissue as a result of advanced periodontal disease, aggressive brushing or trauma? We are happy to assess your needs and recommend the treatment that will help you achieve your goals.  If you have any questions about the plan we recommend, don’t hesitate to let us know.  Our priority is to fully explain every aspect of your procedure so you have a complete understanding of how we can help you.

Esthetic Crown Lengthening

 For some patients, smiling is difficult because they have too much gum tissue around their teeth. This can lead to a smile that looks “stubby” or excessively “gummy.” Patients who view their teeth in this manner may feel nervous about smiling confidently around others.

The good news for patients in this situation is that their teeth aren’t actually short or stubby. Instead, patients with a “gummy” simply have too much gum tissue around their teeth. This can easily be changed with a procedure known as crown lengthening.

During a crown lengthening procedure, your doctor will remove excess tissue from your teeth, unveiling your fuller and shapelier teeth. With your procedure complete, you won’t have to feel self-conscious about sharing your smile any longer.