If you are diagnosed with gum disease, bleeding gums, loose teeth, failing implants, our dentist may recommend more detailed treatment to address these conditions. We may combine treatments with other periodontal therapies in order to produce the best results. Contact us at 805-845-3240 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Heath Montgomery and learn more from our team in Santa Barbara, California.
LANAP/LAPIP PROTOCOLS TO REGROW BONE
LANAP/LAPIP is a protocol where we can stop the progression of most forms of bone loss, and we can even reverse the damage of it. This significantly less invasive protocol, when compared to traditional periodontal therapies, is now one of the best changes to keep your loose and possibly hopeless teeth. It will also kill bacteria contributing to this condition which helps allow the process to occur. Please read more about it on our PerioLase page.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
Scaling and root planing is one of the most common traditional treatments recommended for gum disease before it becomes severe. This deep cleaning treatment includes two main steps:
- Scaling: In scaling, we remove plaque and tartar (dental calculus) from the tooth surface.
- Root Planing: This step involves cleaning the roots of the teeth, smoothing them to remove bacterial toxins.
The goals of scaling and root planing are to reduce and remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar, in order to halt the progress of the disease. While most scaling and root planing treatments can be completed comfortably without an anesthetic, our dentist can offer other comfortable options as well to make certain that you feel at ease during your treatment. The scaling and root planing treatment may be split up into several appointments, in which we treat one section of the mouth at each appointment.
Scaling and root planing may be combined with other types of periodontal therapy, such as antibiotic treatment or Laser Periodontal Disinfection (LPD). For some patients, scaling and root planing is enough to prevent periodontal disease from progressing further. For more information about the benefits of scaling and root planing and to learn more about the other types of periodontal treatment we offer, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
TRADITIONAL PERIODONTAL SURGERY
We also offer minor traditional periodontal surgery to help fight gum disease and improve your oral health. We will carefully evaluate your mouth and the severity of the disease to determine which type of procedure will best meet your needs. Some of those procedures may include:
- Gingival flap surgery (pocket reduction) – This form of periodontal surgery helps to reduce the depth of your periodontal pockets by separating the gum tissue and conducting a thorough cleaning before reattaching the tissue.
- Gingivectomy – This procedure is performed to remove excess gum tissue that is covering the teeth and provide a better area to clean the teeth.
- Gingivoplasty – This form of surgery is used to reshape the healthy gum tissue around the teeth to give you a healthier and more attractive appearance. Crown lengthening and gum grafting are forms of gingivoplasty.
Our dentist and team will provide you with detailed post-surgery instructions, including how to properly clean the treated area. Some periodontal conditions will need the knowledge and treatment of a specialist. You may need to be referred out to a specialist for more complex periodontal conditions. Dr. Heath Montgomery works very closely with his specialist to help ensure the proper treatment for your conditions is treated.
Call us today at 805-845-3240 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and learn more about periodontal surgery in Santa Barbara, California.
