Healthy Gums, Happy Life

Periodontal Disease Treatment

With our extensive experience and range of services, from routine cleanings to complex treatments, we ensure you receive the best care possible. At Drs. Pierce, Crabtree, and Deshmukh, we specialize in areas like gum disease treatment, but our real focus is on ensuring your overall oral health and comfort. With our friendly team by your side, you can confidently maintain a healthy smile. Located in Warwick and Narragansett, RI, we are here to support your dental health for decades.

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What is Periodontal Disease?

Approximately 75% of Americans have periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. Often painless and undetected, it can destroy bone and tissue, causing loose, painful teeth, bad breath, and tooth loss. Typical treatments include gum surgery, bone grafts, and scaling. Gum disease is bacterial and spreads beneath the gum line, requiring professional dental cleaning. It’s linked to overall health risks like heart disease. Early detection and treatment are crucial, as untreated gum disease leads to irreversible damage. Regular maintenance and professional dental care are essential for preventing and managing the condition.

Pocket Reduction

Pocket reduction is a periodontal procedure aimed at eliminating or reducing the space between the gum and tooth, which harbors bacteria and leads to gum disease. During this procedure, the gums are folded back and the harmful bacteria are removed. The gum tissue is then secured in place, helping to minimize the depth of the pockets and prevent future damage. This treatment not only improves gum health but also stabilizes the teeth.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is an effective treatment designed to address gum recession and protect tooth roots. By transplanting a small piece of gum tissue, usually harvested from the palate, to areas lacking sufficient coverage, it restores the gum line and creates a healthy barrier against further erosion. This procedure enhances the aesthetic appearance of your smile and plays a critical role in maintaining oral health by preventing sensitivity and further recession.

Recession

Recession refers to the process where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This can lead to sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and aesthetic issues. Causes include aggressive brushing, gum disease, and inadequate dental care. Addressing gum recession is essential to preserve oral health; treatments like gum grafting can effectively cover exposed roots, reducing sensitivity and enhancing the overall appearance of your gums.

Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

Cosmetic periodontal surgery enhances your smile by creating an even, symmetrical gum line. Procedures include cosmetic crown lengthening, which adjusts excess gum tissue for normal-sized teeth, and cosmetic ridge augmentation to plump the gum ridge after tooth removal, ensuring natural-looking tooth replacements. Connective tissue grafting addresses gum recession by covering exposed roots, resulting in a seamlessly blended gumline. These treatments improve both the appearance and health of your smile, ensuring a balanced and beautiful result.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafts in periodontal therapy aim to regenerate lost bone support by filling in severely damaged areas with materials like freeze-dried demineralized bone. This graft material acts as a scaffold, encouraging new bone growth and, over time, is replaced by the patient’s own bone. The procedure not only restores bone density but also strengthens the foundation for teeth, ultimately improving overall oral health and stability.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that involves reshaping the gum and underlying bone to expose more of a tooth’s structure. This is essential for fitting a crown or bridge properly. By adjusting the tissue, the dentist can secure the restoration more effectively, enhancing both the function and aesthetics of the tooth. This procedure ensures longer-lasting and more stable dental restorations.

Cosmetic

Cosmetic crown lengthening is a procedure designed to enhance the appearance of your smile by reshaping the gums and underlying bone to expose more of the natural tooth. This treatment helps correct a “gummy” smile, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. By adjusting the gum line, cosmetic crown lengthening not only improves tooth proportions but also boosts confidence in your smile’s appearance.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal or alteration of a frenum, which is a small fold of tissue connecting the lips, tongue, or cheeks to the gums. This procedure is often performed to improve oral function, speech, or orthodontic results. By eliminating restrictive tissue, a frenectomy can alleviate discomfort, aid in proper tooth alignment, and prevent issues like gum recession or spacing between teeth.

FAQs

What are the warning signs of gum disease I shouldn’t ignore?

Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth can all be signs of gum disease. It often develops silently, so early detection is important. Schedule a gum health screening at our Warwick or Narragansett office to stay ahead of it.

Can gum disease affect my heart health?

Yes. Studies show a connection between gum disease and heart conditions such as stroke and cardiovascular disease. Taking care of your gums can help protect your overall health. Contact us to learn how we can support both.

How is gum disease treated without surgery?

Non-surgical options like scaling and root planing remove bacteria below the gumline and are often effective in early to moderate cases. Antibiotics can also be placed under the gumline to control the bacteria that cause gum disease. Book a consultation to see if this approach is right for you.

What causes gums to recede, and can they grow back?

Gum recession can be caused by overbrushing, gum disease, or genetics. Gums don’t grow back on their own, but treatments like gum grafting can restore coverage and protect your teeth. Ask us how we can help.

Is it normal for gums to bleed when brushing?

No. Bleeding gums are usually a sign of inflammation or early gum disease. Catching the problem early prevents long-term damage. Schedule an evaluation with our periodontal team.

Are there cosmetic solutions for an uneven gum line?

Yes. Procedures like cosmetic crown lengthening, ridge augmentation and soft tissue gum grafting can reshape your gumline and improve your smile. We’re happy to explain your options during a consultation.

How can I prevent gum disease from coming back?

Regular cleanings, daily brushing and flossing, and healthy lifestyle choices are key. Let us help you build a maintenance plan that keeps your gums and teeth healthy long-term.

Protect your gums — call today!

Call Warwick Location

401-781-2742

Call Narragansett Location

401-783-8464