East Tennessee Periodontics is home to Dr. Robert Cain, a highly trained and experienced periodontist. He works with patients to help restore and maintain gum health. Periodontal disease (gum disease) affects millions of Americans and is responsible for tooth loss.
If you suffer from this disease, Dr. Cain offers many minimally invasive and highly effective treatments. He is currently welcoming patients from Maryville, TN who seek gum disease treatment.
Stages of Gum disease
There are two stages of gum disease and it is important to know the difference between the two. If you are diagnosed during the first stage, treatment is likely to reverse the disease. Unfortunately most people do know the problem exists until the later stages.
This is why regular dental care is so vital to your oral health. Dentists screen for early signs of this disease to avoid it from progressing into a serious health concern.
Gingivitis: At this early stage of gum disease, bacteria begins to form deep pockets in the gums causing inflammation and gum recession. Gingivitis is typically easy for your dentist to spot and is easily treated. It may require additional at home care to prevent it from returning. We highly recommend patients with recurring gingivitis to get professional dental cleanings more frequently.
Periodontitis: This is an advanced stage of periodontal disease that causes permanent damage to gum tissue and weakens the teeth. Periodontitis will require intensive treatment to restore the gums, address damage, and restore oral health. If periodontitis is left untreated, teeth may become loose or fall out compromising the function of the bite and jaw bone.
Gum Disease Symptoms
With gum disease, it is common to experience no obvious signs or symptoms. Sometimes we hear patients claim that they did not think certain signs were a big deal. However, changes to your oral health should not be ignored.
If you notice any of the following changes in your oral health, be sure to contact our Maryville, TN area periodontist office as soon as possible:
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums (teeth look longer)
- Red, swollen, or sore gums
- Mouth sores
- Constant bad breath
- New spaces between teeth
- Loose teeth or even Loss of teeth
- Change in denture fit
Gum Disease Treatment
Scaling and root planing
This treatment method is an intensive dental cleaning that removes bacteria from the gums. Using a “scaler”, Dr. Cain will remove plaque and tartar build up from the deep gum pockets where it forms. The gum line will heal and eventually reattached to the teeth. Removing the bacteria from the pockets in the early stages of development can help prevent gum recession and tooth loss.
Gingivectomy
Gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth causing deep pockets where bacteria thrive. The gingivectomy procedure will clean out the deep pockets and remove any diseased gum tissue. Dr. Cain will apply a putty-like substance that will protect the gums while they heal.
Periodontal microsurgery
Dr. Cain utilizes periodontal microsurgery to treat the advanced stages such as periodontitis. This involves using a small specialized tool and powerful magnification for removing diseased tissue, adding gum tissue to cover sensitive root structures, soft tissue grafting, removing excess tissue, and for augmenting the oral ridge. Periodontal microsurgery creates smaller incisions that results in less bleeding, less swelling with more precise treatment.
Tissue regeneration
Dr. Cain will utilize this treatment to rebuild lost bone and tissue that was lost due to periodontal disease. After removing the bacteria, he will use membranes, tissue stimulating proteins or bone grafts to regenerate bone and tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions concerning periodontal disease treatment.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Scaling and root planing might cause some discomfort, but it’s usually not painful. We usually numb the area with local anesthesia so you won’t feel much during the procedure. Afterward, you might experience some sensitivity or soreness, but this typically goes away in a few days.
Do I really need scaling and root planing?
If you have gum disease with deep pockets between your teeth and gums, scaling and root planing can be essential. This treatment removes plaque and tartar below the gum line, helping your gums heal and reattach to your teeth. It’s important to prevent further damage and maintain your oral health.
How painful is gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy might sound intimidating, but it’s generally well-tolerated. We use local anesthesia to numb your gums, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort or soreness afterward is normal, but pain medications and proper care help manage it effectively.
Do gums grow back after gingivectomy?
After a gingivectomy, the gums don’t grow back to their original height but heal and reattach to the teeth. The procedure removes diseased gum tissue to reduce pockets and improve gum health. Maintaining good oral hygiene afterward is crucial to prevent further gum issues.
What is the most common periodontal surgery?
Flap surgery is the most common periodontal procedure we perform. During this surgery, we gently fold back your gums to remove deep bacteria and tartar, then secure the tissue back in place. The procedure helps reduce pocket depth and save teeth affected by gum disease. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
When is it too late to reverse gum disease?
Early stages of gum disease can be reversed with proper treatment and home care. However, advanced periodontal disease that has caused significant bone loss cannot be completely reversed. We can stop its progression and improve your gum health at any stage with the right treatment plan. The key is starting treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
