Treatment of Gum Disease
Periodontal Disease Treatment, Lee's Summit MO
The treatment of gum disease (Periodontal Disease) usually consists of several stages or phases of therapy:
Dr. Morris utilizes various treatment modalities including Dental Lasers, Piezotomes, Radio Surgery, Ultra Sonic Scalers, and Microscopes to treat periodontal disease. As a specialist, his knowledge allows him to customize proper treatment for your individual needs.
Your Gums Deserve Outstanding Care
Periodontist Dr. Morris can treat periodontal disease to improve your oral health. Contact us for more information.
Anti-Infective Phase (Non Surgical):
This initial phase of treatment consist of 2-3 appointments of 1 to 1.5 hours each. The initial stage of treatment is usually a thorough cleaning that includes scaling and root planing (root detox) to remove plaque and tartar deposits on the root surface beneath the gumline. It may also involve analysis of the occlusion of teeth as well as slight bite adjustment.
The purpose of this initial phase of therapy is to decrease the numbers of bacteria and the amount of toxin present in the pockets around the teeth. In other words, this phase is designed to remove the infection and reduce inflammation. The clinical goals of this conservative therapy are improved tissue color, contour and consistency.
Failure to complete this phase of treatment will result in eventual tooth loss as well as the possibility of systemic infections. Slight gum recession as well as slight reduction in pocket depth can be expected as the tissue heals. This shrinkage may cause temporary root sensitivity, which can be alleviated with post treatment rinses and/or toothpastes.
Treatment consists of the use of local anesthetic to numb the teeth and gums and debridement of the root surfaces with ultrasonic as well as hand instruments. Irrigation of the pockets with antimicrobials (chemical agents) may be performed. With the area numb, there is no discomfort during the procedure. There is minimum, if any post–treatment discomfort. Post-operative ibuprofen or acetaminophen will be prescribed. On the day of the appointment, only light meals should be eaten and all prescribed medications should be taken. The patient should expect a numb lip for 2 hours after therapy. Work and exercise can resume on a normal schedule.
After 4-6 weeks of healing the patient will return for a follow up appointment called a Periodontal Maintenance/Re-evaluation. This appointment will last one hour. The patient’s periodontal health will be evaluated and the teeth will be professionally cleaned. Should the patient still exhibit active disease or deep pockets they will be instructed on proper home care techniques and the need to begin the Repair Phase.
Scaling
The term scaling refers to the removal of plaque, calculus and stain from teeth.
Root Planing
The term root planing refers to the removal of root cementum and dentin that is rough, and /or permeated by calculus or contaminated with toxins or microorganisms. The root surface is smoothed during this process, thus allowing the gum tissue to heal and repair.
Periodontal Maintenance/Re-evaluation
This is the term given to the appointment 4-6 weeks after the scaling and root planing segment of the Anti-Infective Phase. This appointment will last approximately one hour and the periodontal health will be evaluated, proper home care techniques will be reviewed and the teeth will be professionally cleaned. Should the patient still exhibit active disease or deep pockets they will be instructed to begin the Repair Phase.
Antibiotics and/or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Morris to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque on a daily basis.
Anti-infective treatments may need to be repeated from time to time on one or multiple teeth. However, chronic inflammation and infection must be resolved for the overall health of the patient. Consequently, the ‘advanced periodontal therapy’ of the Repair Phase may be needed to restore periodontal health in certain situations.
- Click here to learn more about the Repair Phase.
- Click here to learn more about the Maintenance Phase.
Reviews for Gum Disease Treatment
Morris Periodontics
Patient Reviews
I wouldn’t normally fill one of these surveys but the care I received and the calming influence of the staff, to me, was phenomenal. I love the dr and the office and staff was really nice, neat and professional!
- Jean H
Patient Reviews
My hygienist Robin is the best, she is very friendly and when I leave the office my teeth feel very clean and my periodontics maintenance is the best Marsha always smiling and friendly and if you have to change your appointment she works hard to get another appointment that works with your schedule I've had a dental implant and skin graft by Dr Patrick. He and Lori made me feel comfortable and the procedures were accomplish with very little pain. They were very professional and very knowledgeble about these procedures
- carol m
Patient Reviews
Even though it hurts, Efficiency really helps!
- Donna C
Patient Reviews
Very professional and friendly staff. Very relaxed atmosphere. Would definitely recommend to others!
- Kimberly P
Patient Reviews
If you thinking about doing implants; I highly recommend Dr. Morris and his staff. I have had them do three implants.
- Teressa H
Patient Reviews
Excellent on courtesy
- Sharon K
Patient Reviews
I am happy with my dental work and very happy with the staff.
- Mike B
Patient Reviews
Great staff. Education is part of the care.
- Cathy b
Patient Reviews
Excellent care, highly recommend Dr. Morris and his staff for all dental procedures! 🙂
- Karen W
Patient Reviews
Staff very friendly and professional. Makes the visit so much nicer!
- Wanda B
Patient Reviews
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- Douglas M
Patient Reviews
Great group. The best.
- Gregory J
Patient Reviews
I think of this great team as my partner in trying to save my teeth. They're doing their utmost to help me.
- Carol H
Patient Reviews
Professional and courteous staff. Nice clean office and exceptional care. My teeth never felt so CLEAN!
- linda j