What Is Ultrasonic Scaling?

It used to be that a visit to the dentist for a professional cleaning involved uncomfortable scraping of the teeth by a hand-held device with a hook on the end. Thanks to the advent of ultrasonic scaling technology, that same job is done using water and high-frequency vibrations.
To read more about Ultrasonic Scaling, please visit Anthem Periodontics and Dental Implants.

Subgingival Scaling—When an ordinary cleaning is not enough

One of the first weapons in the fight against periodontal diseases is subgingival scaling. When performed in conjunction with root scaling, it can halt the advance of gum disease before more serious measures are required.  Subgingival scaling cleans the tooth below the gum line by effectively removing plague, tartar, toxins and bacteria from the surface. Since this is a procedure that requires more expertise than a routine cleaning, it is best to have it performed by a periodontist.

Dr. DeAndrade will recommend scaling for patients with gingivitis or the early stages of periodontitis. Performed using a local anesthetic, the root surface is thoroughly cleaned with a dental scaling instrument. In more severe cases, an open procedure may be needed where a small flap is cut into the gums to make the area requiring treatment more accessible. By removing the plague and tartar that has accumulated deep into the gums, the patient is able to successfully maintain the results through regular brushing and flossing at home.

Following a subgingival scaling, you will see reduced redness and swelling of your gums, reattached gum pockets, less bleeding and decreased bone sensitivity. It also aids in the prevention of bone and tooth loss due to periodontal disease.

The key to good oral health is regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams. Being able to catch conditions early will allow for more economical, minimally invasive procedures to correct issues as they arise. This, along with good home care, can save you from the complications of tooth and bone loss.  

Periodontal diseases do not only affect your gums and teeth, they can cause problems throughout the whole body. If you have been advised that you need more than a regular dental cleaning to protect the health of your mouth, call Anthem Periodontics to schedule a consultation before a small problem turns into a major procedure.

What Is A Gingivectomy?

If the gums don't have a close fit to the teeth, a tiny pocket will remain and mineral deposits will form over time.  Since cleaning plaque from these pockets is sometimes difficult, bacteria will invariably start to multiply in them. This will eventually lead to gingivitis, a bacterial inflammation of the gums. Unless the diseased tissue is removed and the pockets sealed, gingivitis will spread and worsen, causing periodontitis, infection of the structure that supports the teeth. Another reason for an intervention is to reduce oversized gums, which can make the teeth look too small and undermine confidence.
READ MORE...about gingivectomy at Anthem Periodontics And Dental Implants

About Gingivectomy

A Gingivectomy is a procedure that is sometimes performed when a patient’s teeth appear too short because of gums that seem too thick or large. Also called a ‘gummy smile’, this condition can be caused by certain medications (e.g. prescribed organ transplant, high blood pressure and anti-seizure medication), genetics, or swollen gums due to Gingivitis. A Gingivectomy is therefore performed to expose more of the tooth to make your gum line look nicer and natural and/or to expose more of your tooth structure as preparation for cosmetic surgery.

As the dental assistant I can tell you that swollen gums due to gum disease should not be left untreated. If you have gum problems due to Gingivitis, the reality is that you have an infection in your gums and that Gingivitis is just a milder form of Perionditis, a more serious situation that can lead to much bigger problems. With Gingivitis you might not even feel much discomfort; you will just notice that your gums are swollen and red, and they might bleed easily.

A Gingivectomy procedure can be done on just one tooth or a complete gum line. Gum tissue can sometimes cover a tooth or teeth that are of perfectly normal length, but are just hidden away under too much gum tissue. Wherever it is done in your mouth, it will definitely improve your smile if you are currently stuck with a smile that shows too little of your precious teeth or an uneven gum line!

A Gingivectomy can be done with laser or by using scalpels. The aim of both methods is the same though: to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line. A Gingivectomy can take from a few minutes to longer than an hour, depending on your personal needs and reason(s) for having it done and you will usually receive a local anesthetic pre-procedure.

Generally there is little to no discomfort after the procedure either! You doctor will also send your home with a periodontal dressing on the area that was worked on. As a rule you will have to keep the dressing on for 7-10 days.

Healthy gums should show little points between teeth, causing the teeth to be well-supported and your smile to look awesome. And these are the things a Gingivectomy will give you!

Las Vegas Laser Gum Therapy

What Is Laser Gum Therapy?

Laser gum therapy is beginning to be the preferred method in treating periodontal disease. Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) uses a tiny laser to get in between the gum and the tooth to treat the infected tissue. Patients prefer this treatment as opposed to the old way of treating gum disease due to its less aggressive nature. Before laser gum therapy, a periodontist would have to physically pull the gums away from the teeth to manually remove the infected tissue. Leaving more strain and soreness on the gums.

Below is a short video on Laser Gum Therapy presented by Dr. De Andrade of Anthem Periodontics.

How Do I Know Laser Gum Therapy Is Right For Me?

Laser Gum Therapy is the newest innovative technology to treat gum disease. With it's less invasive method, it is a preferred treatment option for most patients affected by periodontal disease. For more information or questions on the procedure, please visit Anthem Periodontics website to give us a call or schedule and appointment.