What can an oral surgeon do for Spring area residents who develop gum disease?

 In Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious condition that can result in the loss of teeth, gums, and bone. It can have a negative impact on one’s smile and studies have shown that the bacteria in the mouth can be carried through the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body as well. Patients with gum disease may be at a higher risk for heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Dentists such as Dr. Dernick in the Spring area educate patients on the importance of good oral health habits. However, there are times an oral surgeon may need to perform treatments for patients who have developed the condition and are seeking treatment.

While gum disease cannot be “cured,” it can be controlled. When a patient is experiencing the advanced stages of gum disease, they may need to undergo a periodontal treatment such as scaling and root planing. Dr. Dernick deep cleans the enamel even the roots of the teeth that are underneath the gum tissue. This is done to help reverse the condition and get the patient to a point where it can be controlled with good dental habits.

Other surgery that may be necessary is dental extraction. An oral surgeon may determine that specific teeth need to be extracted if gum disease has advanced to the severe stages. Teeth may become severely decayed and result in pain and discomfort for a patient. They are removed, and after the mouth has been eliminated of the problem, a dentist can begin to work with patients on determining the best cosmetic restoration of their smile based on their needs and budget.

Dental implant placement is another oral surgery that may be done after gum disease. When teeth are lost or extracted, they can be restored with a dental implant. However, patients must have sufficient bone tissue for the procedure to have long-term success. Bone grafting may be done to rebuild the jawbone after periodontal disease. Reconstructive treatments such as this can be discussed with Dr. Dernick of The Woodlands Dental Group to determine the best way to restore the smile’s appearance and function.

 

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