Periodontal Disease, also known as Gum Disease, is a serious gum and bone infection that damages the ligaments and bones that surround the teeth. Advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. If gum disease is caught in its early stages (gingivitis or mild to moderate periodontitis), it can be managed through non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing. However, when moderate to severe periodontitis occurs causing deeper damage to the gums and bone, osseous surgery may be required to restore health to those areas. This is particularly true when tartar (dental calculus) is so deep below the gum line, it’s resting at the level of the supporting bone.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease:
- Swollen, red or bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums (gum tissue that is moving away from the tooth)
- Bad taste in mouth
- Persistent bad breath
What is osseous periodontal therapy?
Advanced periodontitis can result in bone loss, which in turn can form deep and uneven “pockets” surrounding the teeth. Dr. Lepore may suggest a treatment called osseous periodontal therapy with one of our Periodontists to reduce the pocket depths and restore the areas back to health. Osseous periodontal therapy is an advanced procedure used to treat advanced periodontal disease.
During the treatment, the hardened deposits (calculus) that surround the teeth and root surfaces are removed. The bone is responsible for holding the teeth in place, so it is imperative to recreate a favorable foundation by reshaping and smoothing the foundation of bone that has become diseased from the constant inflammation caused by bacteria (tartar deposits). Sutures may be placed to allow the area proper time to heal.
