
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. It develops when plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth and below the gum line and creates pockets between your teeth and gums, causing an infection.
Symptoms of gingivitis include swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, but just as often, it is asymptomatic. In this case, gum disease is damaging your smile, and you are not even aware that it’s present.
If gingivitis isn’t treated promptly, it can advance to periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease. At this stage, the infection has traveled to the bone and structures that support your teeth, and you are at significant risk for tooth loss.
What Services Does a Periodontist Provide?
Once you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, it is essential to follow through with treatment to heal your gums and prevent further damage. The type of treatment our periodontist recommends determines which course of treatment is appropriate for your needs.
Deep Periodontal Cleaning
If we find advanced gum disease, the first step in treating it is a deep cleaning procedure. Also referred to as scaling and root planing, this treatment involves removing plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. The tooth roots are smoothed to assist with healing the gums and minimize areas where bacteria can hide.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
We are pleased to offer non-surgical periodontal treatment with LANAP or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. The benefit to the patient is less discomfort, shorter treatment times, and significantly reduced recovery time. Learn more about LANAP here on our technology page.
Gum Recession Treatment
If you have significant gum recession due to advanced gum disease, Dr. Lorenz may recommend gum grafting. This procedure involves adding or grafting gum tissue in areas where the gums have receded significantly.
As a periodontist, Dr. Lorenz can also perform The Pinhole Surgical Technique. This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive method for treating gum recession.
Bone Grafting
Bone loss is common with advanced gum disease. To remedy this, we offer bone grafting that rebuilds areas of your bone that have deteriorated and helps aid in the recovery.
Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Gum disease and other factors can affect the appearance of your smile. Your teeth may appear too long due to gum recession, or you may have the opposite problem, which is an excess of gum tissue often referred to as a “gummy” smile. We offer gum lifts and crown lengthening to recontour your gums for a better appearance.