Protect your gums
with professional periodontal care

Do you suffer from bleeding gums or tartar below your gum line? Then a deep cleaning may be necessary. This helps keep your gums healthy and prevents further issues.

What is a dental deep cleaning?

A deep cleaning – also known as scaling and root planing – is a thorough dental cleaning. During this procedure, the dentist removes plaque and tartar from both your teeth and beneath your gums. This helps prevent and treat inflammation and gum problems.

Why is this important?

Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that can cause inflammation. This can lead to periodontitis, a serious gum disease that affects your teeth and jawbone. A deep cleaning helps remove these bacteria and prevents further damage.

When do you need a dental deep cleaning?

Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning if you have any of the following:

• Bleeding or swollen gums. This could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis
• Deep pockets between teeth and gums. If these spaces are greater than 4 mm, bacteria can accumulate and cause damage
• Bone loss around your teeth. Often detected through X-rays, this indicates advanced periodontitis.

How does the procedure work?

A dental deep cleaning involves several steps:

1. Examination and measurements – The dentist checks the health of your gums and measures the depth of the pockets
2. Scaling – Plaque and tartar are removed, even below the gum line
3. Root planing – The tooth roots are smoothed to reduce the chances of bacteria sticking to them
4. Possible antibiotics – In some cases, antibiotics may be applied to the pockets to reduce inflammation.

Aftercare and recovery

After the treatment, proper oral care is essential:

• Brush and floss well – This prevents plaque from building up again.
• Mild sensitivity is normal – This may last a few days, but painkillers often help.
• Follow-up visits – Regular dentist visits ensure your oral health remains on track.

Benefits of a dental deep cleaning

• Healthier gums – Less inflammation and faster recovery.
• Prevents tooth loss – Helps minimize the effects of periodontitis.
• Better overall health – Poor oral health can increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases – Poor oral health can increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases

Conclusion

Flap surgery with regenerative materials, such as bone grafting, is a surgical technique used to restore lost bone and gum tissue. This is especially important for patients with severe periodontal disease, where a standard cleaning is not sufficient.

What is flap surgery with regeneration?

In flap surgery, the gum tissue is temporarily lifted to allow deep cleaning and treatment of the tooth roots and underlying bone.

What are regenerative materials?

Bone grafts, membranes, or biologically active substances stimulate the natural regeneration of bone and gum tissue.

When is this treatment necessary?

• Bone loss: When significant bone loss occurs around the teeth due to periodontitis.
• Deep pockets: When there are deep periodontal pockets that cannot be cleaned with a standard cleaning.
• Loose teeth: When teeth become less stable due to loss of supporting bone

How does flap surgery with bone grafting work?

1. Preparation & planning: your dentist will assess your oral health using X-rays or 3D imaging.

2. Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

3. Flap creation: A small incision in the gum tissue allows access to the deeper structures.

4. Thorough cleaning: Plaque and tartar are completely removed.

5. Application of regenerative materials: A bone graft or growth-stimulating substances are applied

6. Flap repositioning: The gum tissue is carefully stitched back into place.

Aftercare and recovery

Following the procedure, you will receive specific care instructions to promote healing. Pain relief or antibiotics may be prescribed if necessary. Regular follow-up visits are recommended to monitor healing and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Benefits of flap surgery

• Healthier gums and bone: Promotes healing and prevents further deterioration.

• Improved function & aesthetics: Helps preserve teeth and enhances the appearance of your smile.

• Long-lasting results: Reduces the risk of further periodontal issues and tooth loss.

Conclusion

Flap surgery with regenerative materials is an advanced treatment option for patients with severe periodontal problems. This method offers hope for the restoration of structures that would otherwise be irreparable, contributing to the preservation of natural teeth

A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure in which excess or infected gum tissue is removed. This not only improves oral health but also enhances the aesthetic appearance of the gums and your smile.

Why is this important?

The procedure is performed to provide better access for cleaning teeth, improve aesthetics, or treat inflammation and gum disease.

Indications for Gingivectomy

• Improved oral hygiene: It removes excess gum tissue that can make cleaning difficult and lead to inflammation.

• Aesthetic correction: It corrects a “gummy smile”, where too much gum is visible when smiling.

• Healthier gums: Prevents or treats gum issues such as periodontal disease.

How does the procedure work?

1. Preparation:The dentist will examine your teeth and may take X-rays if necessary.
2. Anesthesia:Local anesthesia ensures a pain-free procedure.
3. Removal of gum tissue:Excess gum tissue is removed using a scalpel, laser, or other instruments.
4. Reshaping:The gum line is re-contoured for a natural and balanced appearance.

Aftercare and recovery

The healing process may take several weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients will receive specific care instructions, including gentle brushing and the use of antiseptic mouthwashes to aid recovery.

Follow-up appointments are necessary to evaluate healing and to make any adjustments to the gum line if needed.

Benefits of Gingivectomy

• Easier to maintain oral hygiene: Reduces the risk of gum inflammation and plaque buildup.

• Radiant smile: Creates a balanced gum line for a more attractive smile.

• Healthier gums Reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of periodontal issues.

Conclusion

Gingivectomy is an effective procedure for treating excess gum tissue and improving both the aesthetics and overall health of the gums. It’s crucial for patients to follow aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls back, exposing the roots of the teeth. This can lead to sensitivity, an increased risk of cavities, and aesthetic concerns. One effective solution for this issue is a connective tissue graft.

What is gum grafting?

It is a surgical technique where tissue is taken from the patient’s palate and used to cover areas of gum recession

Why is this important?

This procedure ensures that the exposed tooth roots are covered, helping to regenerate the gum tissue and restore both the function and aesthetics of the smile.

When is this treatment necessary?

• Aesthetic enhancement: Restores the natural gum line and covers exposed roots.
• Protection for tooth roots: Reduces sensitivity and prevents root decay.
• Healthy gums: Stabilizes the gum tissue and prevents further recession and bone loss.

How does the procedure work? 

The treatment is performed under local anesthesia. A piece of connective tissue is taken from the palate and placed over the recessed area. The graft is securely fixed to integrate with the existing gum tissue.

Aftercare and recovery

It takes a few weeks for the gum tissue to fully heal. Gentle oral hygiene practices are necessary to avoid damaging the treated area. The dentist will monitor the healing process and assess the success of the procedure.

Benefits of gum grafting

• Natural appearance:Restores the aesthetics of your smile.
• Protection and comfort:Reduces sensitivity and protects the teeth from damage.
• Long-lasting results:Long-lasting results:

Conclusion

Covering gum recession with a connective tissue graft is an effective and lasting solution for patients suffering from gum recession. This technique not only improves aesthetics and provides protection but also contributes to overall oral health

Clinical crown lengthening is a dental procedure performed to increase the visible length of a tooth. This is often necessary when there is excessive gum tissue—and sometimes jawbone—surrounding a tooth.

What is clinical crown lengthening?

This procedure involves the careful removal of excess gum tissue, and in some cases, a small amount of underlying bone. This prevents the gum from growing back and exposes more of the tooth’s crown.

Why is this important?

Crown lengthening is often needed for aesthetic improvements, such as before placing veneers, crowns, or bridges. It can also be required for functional reasons—such as accessing decay or placing restorations deep below the gumline. In some cases, removing the tooth would be the only alternative.

When is this treatment necessary? 

• Aesthetic enhancement: Ideal for correcting a “gummy smile” or creating a more balanced appearance.
• Functional necessity: Essential when deep fillings at the back of the mouth are covered by excess gum and bone.

How does the procedure work?

1. Local anesthesia: The procedure is done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
2. Gum and bone reshaping: The periodontist carefully removes the excess gum and, if needed, reshapes the underlying bone.
3. Recovery: Most patients can resume their normal daily activities the same day.

Aftercare and recovery

• Post-treatment care: Patients can usually return to work the same day.
• Follow-up: After 1 to 2 weeks, the fine stitches are removed and the result is evaluated.
• Special care: A soft toothbrush and detailed care instructions are provided to promote healing and prevent complications.

Benefits of clinical crown lengthening

• Improved access for restorations: Makes it easier for your dentist to perform restorative treatments.
• Aesthetic improvements: Creates a more attractive smile and boosts confidence.
• Long-lasting results: Prevents the gum from regrowing and ensures long-term stability.

Conclusion

Clinical crown lengthening is an effective solution for patients who require both functional and aesthetic improvements. With minimal discomfort and quick recovery, it offers long-lasting benefits and can be a crucial step in achieving optimal dental health and smile aesthetics.

Supportive periodontal care is essential for maintaining healthy gums and overall oral health following the initial treatment of periodontitis or other periodontal diseases. This ongoing care is designed to prevent disease progression and preserve the results achieved through deep cleanings or surgical procedures like flap surgery.

What is supportive periodontal care?

It is a continuous maintenance program that follows active treatment for periodontitis, aimed at preserving gum health and preventing relapse.

The frequency of maintenance visits typically ranges from every three to four months to once a year, depending on each patient’s specific needs.

Why is this important?

• Prevention of recurrence: Regular check-ups and cleanings help prevent reinfection and keep the condition under control.
• Early detection: Maintenance visits allow for the early identification and treatment of new or recurring issues.
• Long-term health: Helps ensure the long-term stability of natural teeth and dental implants.

Components of supportive periodontal care

• Professional cleaning: Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gumline.
• Gum health evaluation: Measurement of periodontal pockets to assess the condition of the gums.
• Patient education: Guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques to support gum health at home.
• Treatment adjustments: Modifications to care plans based on progress and patient feedback.

Home care and follow-up

• Daily oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing are crucial for the long-term success of supportive care.
• Lifestyle counseling: Advice on habits such as smoking cessation and dietary changes that directly affect gum health.

Challenges and considerations

• Patient commitment: Long-term success requires active engagement and consistency from the patient.
• Costs and insurance: Discussions about treatment costs and coverage options may be necessary.

Conclusion

Supportive periodontal care is a critical part of managing gum health after initial treatment. It involves teamwork between dental professionals and patients to maintain results, prevent future issues, and promote lifelong oral health.