The least invasive treatment for periodontal disease is known as scaling and root planing. This procedure is a non-surgical deep cleaning that is performed by our Los Angeles dentist. After administering a local anesthetic to ensure comfort, the dentist scrapes away plaque and tartar from the gumline, and then smooths the rough spots from the tooth. Usually the patient is given medication afterward to assist in keeping the gums clean.
Flap surgery may be necessary if inflammation remains after a deep cleaning. Our dentist starts the procedure by creating an incision, and then lifts back the gum tissue to remove the tartar. Sutures are then used to wrap the gums back around the teeth. Once the sutures are fully healed, it becomes easier to keep your teeth and gums clean.
Gum grafts are surgical procedures in which our expert in periodontal treatments in Los Angeles takes gum tissue from the roof of your mouth to use to fill in the areas of your gums that have receded. Similarly, bones can be grafted from the host or donor in order to repair affected areas in the gumline.