Hundreds of Kentucky residents who suffer from gum disease visit Derby City Dental Specialists every year for treatment. He is a leading periodontist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease. He uses both traditional methods and laser techniques to rid his patients of their pain and discomfort.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, starts with plaque. When the food particles and bacteria in our mouths sit on our teeth, plaque begins to build up. Most often, brushing and flossing can help mitigate the plaque buildup, but if it is allowed to fester, it can turn into tartar, and that can only be removed by routine visits to a dental professional. For Kentucky men and women who do not address tartar build up, that bacteria can lead to gum disease.
For some, gum disease can be treated non-surgically. But for others with more advanced forms of the disease, gum surgery may be necessary. We know that the idea of having surgery for any reason can be daunting, so we’re here to fill you in on a little more about the different methods Dr. Clagett uses to perform gum surgery and improve your oral health.
Laser Gum Surgery
After Dr. Clagett has decided on the ideal course of treatment for your periodontal disease, he may choose to use the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, or LANAP. With this method of gum surgery, Dr. Clagett will use a specialized laser device to get rid of the bacteria that has developed beneath your gums and attached to the surfaces of your teeth. This advanced laser technology is created to specifically target the bacteria and diseased tissue; therefore, treatment will only treat those features, and your healthy gums will remain unaffected.
Once he has removed the bacteria with laser gum surgery, Dr. Clagett will use ultrasonic instruments to further clean your teeth. He will also use techniques to encourage tooth-supporting bone to regenerate.
In order to properly heal from laser gum surgery, Dr. Clagett will give you post-operative instructions you should follow very carefully. While time and proper care are the main aspects of effective healing, Dr. Clagett recommends his gum surgery patients only chew soft foods in their treatment area for a few weeks. He will also request his Kentucky patients to return for a teeth cleaning every three months after gum surgery to maintain their results, and schedule a follow-up appointment one year after surgery to track progress.
Traditional Gum Surgery
While laser gum surgery is incredibly effective, some patients will require a different method to resolve their gum disease. For Kentucky patients who have gum disease in an isolated area, and don’t have other gum-related concerns, Dr. Clagett will use the traditional gum surgery method.
To perform traditional gum surgery, Dr. Clagett will follow these steps:
- Numb the treatment area so you will be comfortable
- Surgically lift the gums to gain access to the diseased area beneath
- Clear away the infection
- Use techniques to strengthen the teeth with replacement bone and growth factors
Aftercare for traditional gum surgery is very similar to laser gum surgery. Patients should only eat soft foods for a few weeks, visit Dr. Clagett’s Kentucky office every three months for cleanings, and schedule a post-op appointment for one year after surgery in order to track your progress.
Gum Surgery at Derby City Dental Specialists
Some patients needing gum surgery to improve their oral health only need one appointment to eliminate their symptoms. Others will be required to come in for several appointments so Dr. Clagett can be sure he eliminates the periodontal disease completely.
To learn more about gum surgery, and to schedule your initial consultation at Dr. Clagett’s office, call today!
