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There are different procedures that periodontists use to treat patients diagnosed with a gum disease or periodontal disease. A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of periodontal disease. They are familiar with the latest techniques for gum disease treatment and can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help achieve that best smile one covets.

The least invasive and most cost effective gum disease treatment is through non surgical periodontal treatment. This is done through scaling and root planning where plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line will be scraped away through scaling and rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth through planning. This procedure is done under a local anaesthetic. Depending on the case, the procedure is then followed by the adjunctive therapy such as the local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation.

The periodontist may also recommend periodontal surgery if it is determined that the tissue around the teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment. One can get a flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery as a gum disease treatment where the gums are lifted back and the tartar will be removed. In some cases, the irregular surfaces of a damaged bone will then be smoothed to limit areas where the disease-causing bacteria can hide. A bone graft is another procedure that uses fragments on the bones, can be one’s synthetic bone or a donated bone, will replace the bone destroyed by gum disease. Another procedure called soft tissue grafts reinforces the thin gums   or fills in places where gums have receded.

There has been some limited research suggesting that lasers can be used as an adjunct to scaling and root planning. In addition, if the lasers are properly used in periodontal therapy, it will have lesser bleeding, swelling and discomfort on the patient during surgery. However, there are different wavelengths and levels of power during this periodontal procedure. Any damage to the periodontal tissue may result if there is an improper wavelength or power level.

If one already lost a tooth due to the severity of the gum disease or any other reason, one may have dental implants which is the permanent tooth replacement option. Periodontist will place an artificial tooth root on the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Some would also go for cosmetic procedures to treat periodontal disease and enhance their smile.