Periodontics in Woodstock

Stop Gum Disease and Tooth Loss with Full-Service Periodontics in Woodstock

Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, starts as gingivitis. Although gingivitis is normally painless, you may notice that your gums appear red and swollen and bleed when you brush or floss. If treated early, gingivitis can be reversed before there is any permanent damage to the teeth and gums. If not addressed, infection can develop below the gumline, which can cause the gums to recede and weaken the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place. In advanced cases, the teeth can become loose and fall out. At Hickory Flat Dental, we offer a wide range of periodontal services to treat and possibly even reverse the effects of periodontal disease.

How Can a Periodontist in Woodstock Help?

A periodontist is a gum disease specialist. In addition to being a fully qualified and licensed dentist, a periodontist receives two to three years of additional training focused on diagnosing and managing diseases of the gums as well as complex procedures, such as dental implant placement, lip repositioning, and gum contouring. If you have been diagnosed with mild to advanced periodontal disease, contact our periodontics office today to schedule an appointment with our gum disease expert.

What Types of Services Does a Gum Disease Expert Perform?

Periodontics includes conditions and procedures involving the soft gum tissue. The following are a few of the services offered by our periodontist in Woodstock.

Gum Disease Treatment

After we eat or drink, the residue and debris that remain on our teeth create a sticky substance called plaque that is a breeding ground for bacteria. If not removed by brushing and flossing, the plaque and bacteria not only attack the enamel of the teeth to create cavities, but they also can get below the gumline where they can cause infection and destroy the bone, ligaments, and soft tissue that hold the teeth in place. Periodontal treatment, such as scaling and root planing, can remove the plaque and bacteria and restore the health of your gums.

Dental Implant Placement

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. If you have lost one or more teeth as the result of gum disease, dental implants are a long-lasting and realistic-looking tooth replacement option. Instead of resting on the gum like a traditional denture, the crown, bridge, or denture is attached to an implant post that is embedded into the jawbone similar to a natural tooth root. Not only do the teeth never shift out of place, but the implants also help to prevent bone loss in the jaw, which helps to maintain the facial structure and reduce wrinkling around the mouth. Implants can also help prevent additional tooth loss by reinforcing and stabilizing the remaining natural teeth.

Crown Lengthening

The part of the tooth that you see above the gum is called the crown. In some situations, it may be necessary to make more of the crown visible and accessible. For example, excess gum tissue may need to be removed so that a prosthetic crown can be placed over the tooth or to attach a partial denture or brackets for braces. The procedure may even be performed in conjunction with gum contouring to correct a gummy smile.

Gum Grafting

Periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede so that the tooth root is left exposed. A gum disease specialist can graft tissue harvested from elsewhere in the mouth to cover and protect the tooth root.

Treatment and Diagnosis of Oral Pathologies and Cancer.

Oral cancer, especially cases linked to human papillomavirus infections, have increased dramatically in recent years. If you have suspicious lesions, growths, or discoloration of the gums, our periodontal specialist can take a sample for diagnosis and help you create a personalized treatment plan.

We realize that many of our patients have put off seeking the dental care that they need because of fear and anxiety about seeing a dentist. We offer nitrous oxide and other types of sedation to ensure that you remained relaxed and comfortable throughout your procedure.

How Can I Find Out More About Periodontics in Woodstock?

At Hickory Flat Dental, our staff is always happy to answer any questions that you may have about our services, the types of insurance that we accept, or payment options. If you are experiencing gum health issues, we can help you create a treatment plan that will improve the appearance of your smile and restore the health of your mouth. Call (678) 274-6972 today to schedule a consultation.