Periodontal disease is the later stage of gum disease and typically follows gingivitis (gum inflammation). You may face the risk of long-term oral health problems, including weakened jawbone and tooth loss. For KRK Implant Center patients in San Antonio, treatment of periodontal disease involves both non-surgical and surgical approaches. Learn about options for care, and contact us to schedule an initial consultation.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Disease Treatment
Doctor Krueger will examine your teeth and measure the gap between the teeth and the gums (pockets). This will help him evaluate how much bone has been lost and whether he can merely clean the pockets between the teeth and gums to alleviate your symptoms. If the outlook is promising, he will likely recommend this scaling and root planing. This non-surgical approach removes the bacteria, plaque, and tartar build-up from the teeth and under the gum line. Since it is a more in-depth procedure than a typical dental cleaning, Doctor Krueger will use a local anesthetic for your comfort, or you may also opt for some level of sedation. Recovery is minimal, and you won’t have much sensation at all that you’ve been through periodontal disease treatment. After two to three months, you’ll return to KRK Implant Center for a follow-up evaluation. At this point, Doctor Krueger will determine whether you are healing properly or will require a more extensive procedure.
Surgical Options for San Antonio Periodontal Disease Treatment
Doctor Krueger may advise you to have one of several gum surgeries, including: Pocket reduction: Doctor Krueger will lift the gums to remove tartar and replace the gums in a position that reduces the space between them and the teeth. This helps to prevent bacteria from having a place to reside and re-form. Bone and soft-tissue grafts: If the bone supporting your teeth has weakened, bone grafts can replace this structure and help to grow new bone. In a similar fashion, new soft tissue may be needed to support areas where the gums have receded. Bone surgery: If the bone around your teeth has eroded and created spaces for bacteria to grow, treating the bone can eliminate these concerns. While there are many options for care, they begin with you taking the first step: seeking treatment for oral disease to restore comfort and aesthetics to your smile. We invite you to contact our practice. KRK Implant Center proudly serves patients throughout San Antonio. For periodontal disease treatment, contact us at 210.826.3946 or online at kruegerimplants.com.