Periodontal
Dentistry
Periodontal Care in Pembroke, ON
Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. However, patients lacking the necessary gum health may need to undergo periodontics to better qualify for implants and ensure that the procedure is a success.
At Parkview Dental, our implant dentist in Pembroke, ON, Dr. Munro, offers expert periodontal care to patients in Riverview, Petawawa, and Cobden who are suffering from gum disease. Read on to learn about periodontal treatments and how your smile may benefit.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an oral infection that affects the soft tissues of your mouth. Typically caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar, gum disease can result in further complications and painful symptoms if left untreated.
There are two stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease may not present painful symptoms, though it’s common for gums to appear swollen or inflamed. If caught at this stage, dentists can reverse the effects by conducting a professional deep cleaning.
- Periodontitis: The late stage of gum disease occurs when gingivitis is left untreated for far too long. This is when painful symptoms may start as bacteria begins to attack the underlying bones and tissues of your gums. It’s harder for dental professionals to reverse the effects of this stage and may require more invasive treatment.
Signs of Gum Disease
It’s common for patients to not experience symptoms in the early stages of gum disease. However, if left to progress, gum disease can wreak havoc on your oral health. It’s important to seek treatment when you first start to notice the signs of gum disease, which may include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing
- Tooth decay or loss
Thankfully, periodontal treatments can help reverse these and other painful symptoms while also strengthening your overall oral health. If you suspect you may have gum disease, call our Pembroke office today at (613) 735-2336.
Our Periodontal Care Services
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration works similarly to bone grafting, but far less donor tissue is required. This is done through the use of barrier membranes that guide the growth of new bone or gum tissue to the areas in your oral cavity that need it most. The healing process is also specifically guided to ensure optimal results.
Socket Preservation
The empty gap in your jawbone that’s left when your tooth is extracted can become prone to unhealthy bacteria and infection. To prevent this from occurring, Dr. Munro will likely recommend socket preservation. This procedure involves the placement of small bone granules into your open socket, restoring the shape of your jawbone and protecting it from further deterioration.
Sinus Lift
Many patients who need dental implants in their upper jaw don’t have the bone strength to support them. In order to create a strong foundation for your dental implants, your dentist may perform what’s known as a sinus augmentation, or sinus lift procedure. This process involves grafting new bone to the sinus cavities above your jaw, giving it the durability it needs for your new restorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is guided tissue regeneration painful?
Not at all! Dr. Munro will administer local anesthesia to numb your gums before the procedure, ensuring you don’t feel any pain. For patients with dental anxiety or resistance to anesthesia, we also offer sedation dentistry options.
While you may experience mild discomfort after the treatment is finished, any soreness can be managed with over-the-counter medications. In some cases, Dr. Munro may also prescribe painkillers or antibiotics. To minimize your discomfort, make sure to follow any post-op instructions. These may include applying ice, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and sticking to a soft-food diet.
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
A prerequisite for dental implant placement is healthy gums. Without a sturdy foundation, dental implant surgery may not be successful, and could even lead to complications.
If gum disease has damaged your oral tissue, it may cause your smile to lack the strength it needs to support dental implants. Fortunately, our dentist in Pembroke can restore the health of your gums and prepare you for implant surgery with periodontal treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Munro today to learn if you may benefit from periodontal care.
Will insurance cover periodontal treatments?
Insurance coverage for guided tissue regeneration and other periodontal treatments can vary depending on the terms of your plan and provider. If you have any questions about your insurance terms, contact our office by calling (613) 735-2336 so that our team can l assist you. You can also visit our financing page for more information on our affordable payment plans.