Periodontal Treatments & Surgery
periodontal treatments
Stopping gum disease in its tracks with advanced treatment tailored to your needs
The office of Laurel Morello DDS is defined partly by continuing education on the latest technologies and techniques to accurately, promptly, and painlessly detect and treat conditions like gum disease. In turn, our dentists, Drs Laurel, and Paul Morello, help to prevent and stop this progressive and common condition before it leads to tooth loss.
Tailored periodontal treatments in El Cajon, California
Healthy gums are largely pinkish-red. They are firm and attach snugly to the teeth. Signs of gum disease are often very subtle or even asymptomatic in their earliest stages. As the condition progresses from early-stage gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, patients may notice dusky red, bleeding gums, as well as spaces between the gums and teeth. These “periodontal pockets” are indicative of gum disease.
Without treatment, the gums recede or pull away from the teeth, resulting in a “long in the tooth” appearance to the smile as more of the white crown is exposed. Pocket depth can provide some clues as to the extent or severity of the condition. Depending on treatments may range from modifications to home care and special products or rinses to periodontal therapies to rebuild lost tissues.
For earlier-stage disease or gingival inflammation, we may recommend:
Professional cleanings – Of course, these cleanings are fundamental to a solid hygiene program. They are typically done once every six months during regular check-ups. Our hygienists have special instruments and capabilities to remove even the most stubborn, destructive plaque build-up or tartar.
Guidance on home care – As noted, we can advise and illustrate how to brush and floss more effectively. We may recommend or even prescribe special antibacterial rinses.
Scaling and root planning – This “deep cleaning” involves removing bacteria and other causes of disease from the teeth and from underneath the gum tissue. The “planning” part of the process consists of smoothing the roots of the teeth. They tend to attract and collect bacteria due to their rough root surfaces.
In more modest cases of periodontitis, nonsurgical treatments may be appropriate and effective at preventing tissue damage and irreversible bone loss. American Academy of Periodontology guidelines generally advise that periodontal health should be restored and sustained in the least invasive way possible. More conservative treatments require less demands on your body and time for healing and recovery and are associated with fewer side effects and risks of complications.
Surgical options may be needed in cases such as advanced periodontitis or when the gums don’t respond to nonsurgical techniques and interventions such as home care and lifestyle modifications; for example, pocket reduction removes bacteria and closes the spaces between the gums and teeth that give rise to disease.
Due for a check-up? Don’t wait!
With proactive and consistent care, gum disease treatment does not have to be in your future. Call (619) 444-4083 to schedule your appointment at the office of Laurel Morello DDS today.
periodontal Surgery
With certain advanced periodontal diseases and conditions, it becomes necessary for our dentists to surgically treat in order to effectively address the problem. If you have serious periodontal concerns that may require a surgical approach, please give us a call at (619) 444-4083 today to learn more and schedule an appointment with Dr. Laurel Morello.
If you have a more advanced stage of periodontal disease, your teeth and supporting bone structure will be affected in addition to your gum tissue. Your teeth may also become loose or uncomfortable as a result, making gum surgery necessary.
There are several types of gum surgery that may be recommended, depending on the stage of the disease and your individual needs. These include:
Gingival flap surgery (pocket reduction) — This form of periodontal surgery helps reduce the depth of your periodontal pockets by gently separating the gum tissue from the bone and roots of the teeth and conducting a thorough cleaning before reattaching the tissue.
Gingivectomy — This procedure is performed to remove excess gum tissue that has crept up the surfaces of the teeth, thus providing improved exposure of the teeth for better cleaning. This can at times be associated with a medication use that causes the gums to overgrow or a history of infected, swollen gum tissue that has healed and needs to be trimmed back. Cosmetic gingivectomy is often used to trim excess gum tissue from front teeth that look short, thereby restoring their full vertical length from top to bottom and a much broader smile. This procedure is also termed gingivoplasty.
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.
Soft tissue graft — This treatment is used to repair receded gums, cover exposed tooth roots or cementum, and improve the appearance of your smile.
Our dentists and team will provide you with detailed post-surgery instructions, including how to properly clean the treated area.
For more information about periodontal surgery in El Cajon, California, and to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists, please call our office today.
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Laurel Morello, DDS
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Our mission is to provide outstanding dental care in a safe environment. Allaying fears with with a gentle and effective approach has always been at the forefront of our treatments. The practice brings 45 years of Dental experience in all aspects of dentistry, including but not limited to cosmetic excellence and implant restoration. After extensive and ongoing advanced training in the last 15 years, Dr. Laurel Morello has also committed her practice to problem-solving airway and breathing dysfunction through simple self-care techniques, laser intervention, and growth and development appliances designed for a long-term wellness solution