Periodontal Surgery in Thornhill
Overview
Periodontics is the area of dentistry focused on the health of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. The health of your gum tissue is the foundation of a lasting smile, and preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease is a critical part of the work we do. At our cosmetic and general family dental office in Thornhill, we understand that untreated periodontal (gum) disease can lead to serious oral health problems, including gum recession and even tooth loss.
Our Approach to Gum Health at Thornhill Smiles
It is important for our patients to understand our role in their periodontal care. While our skilled dental team provides comprehensive diagnostics and foundational, non-surgical gum treatments, we are not a specialty periodontal practice.
Understanding Gum Disease: From Plaque to Periodontitis
Gum inflammation typically begins with persistent plaque formation, a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth.
If not removed, this can lead to:
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of periodontal disease. You may notice red, swollen gums that bleed easily. At this stage, the condition is reversible with professional cleanings and diligent home care. Effective plaque removal with tools like a water floss device can be a great preventive measure.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis. The gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating deep periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive. This can destroy the periodontal tissue and bone that support your teeth, leading to loose teeth and the need for tooth extractions.
Non-Surgical and Foundational Gum Treatments
Our Thornhill dental team is equipped to manage early-to-moderate gum disease with highly effective non-surgical treatments. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including digital radiographs and Panoramic and Cone Beam CT scans, to assess your condition accurately. Treatments include:
- Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) with anesthesia: This procedure is the first line of defense against periodontitis. We thoroughly clean below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar, smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums reattach.
- Application of local antibiotic to infected areas: Following a deep cleaning, we may apply a local antibiotic, such as Arestin, directly into the infected gum pockets. This powder-like antibiotic contains tiny microspheres that release medication over time to kill bacteria that remain after scaling and root planing. This targeted approach helps to reduce pocket depth and control the infection at its source, promoting better healing of the gum tissue.
When Periodontal Surgery is Necessary
For advanced cases of periodontitis, surgery may be the only way to restore your gum health. Your treatment plan may include:
✔ Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction): To clean the roots thoroughly and repair bone damage, the gums are lifted, infected tissue is removed, and the gums are sutured back into place, often with self-dissolving stitches.
✔ Bone Reduction and Re-contouring (Osseous Surgery): In cases where periodontitis has created craters and irregular surfaces in the bone around your teeth, osseous surgery may be performed. After the gum tissue is lifted back (similar to flap surgery), the bone is reshaped to eliminate these deep pockets. This creates a smoother, more uniform bone contour, making it harder for bacteria to hide and easier for you to maintain gum health at home.
✔ Gum Graft Surgery: For significant gum recession, grafting procedures are used. A gum graft helps cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and prevent further bone loss.
✔ Regenerative Techniques: In cases of bone loss, we may use regenerative techniques involving bone grafts to promote bone regeneration and restore a healthy foundation around the teeth.
Gum Health’s Role in Other Advanced Procedures
A healthy foundation is essential before proceeding with other dental work. Our office coordinates comprehensive care for full-mouth smile makeovers, which often depend on healthy gums.
- Dental Implants: If you need to replace a missing tooth, a dental implant is the gold standard. This involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone. Success is highly dependent on healthy gums and adequate bone. We perform dental implant bone grafting procedures to ensure there is enough bone for the implant, which is then topped with one of our high-quality dental crown restorations.
- Cosmetic Treatments: Procedures like placing a prosthetic crown or preparing for Invisalign orthodontics require healthy gums.
Comprehensive Care and Surgical Referrals
Our expertise extends to many areas of dentistry. We handle routine and complicated Oral surgery, like tooth extractions for problematic wisdom teeth. However, for complex Oral and Facial Surgery, including corrective Jaw Surgery (maxillofacial surgery), management of TMJ disorders, chronic facial pain, or screening for oral cancer, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Ensuring Your Comfort and Safety
We understand dental procedures can cause anxiety. Patient safety is our top priority, which is why we offer sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”). For more complex procedures, we can coordinate with specialists who offer I.V. sedation. After treatment, we may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to ensure your comfort.
Our Office
390 Steeles Avenue West #205 Thornhill, ON L4J 6X2
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (905) 707 6477
Quick Links
Office Hours
Monday to Wednesday 9AM-8PM
Thursday and Friday 9AM-7PM
Saturday (Every Other)9AM-3PM
Sunday Closed
Schedule Your Periodontal Treatment Today
Protecting your gums is essential for your overall health. Don’t wait for gum discomfort to become a serious problem. If you have concerns about your gum health, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our Thornhill dental team. You can also call our phone number (905) 707 6477 or visit us in person at 390 Steeles Avenue West #205, Thornhill, ON L4J 6X2.
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