Periodontal Disease Prevention and Maintenance

You may have been told that you have periodontal disease but what does that truly mean? Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and tissues that support your tooth. This infection can cause serious damage like bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. In some cases, the bacteria can travel into your bloodstream and put you at risk for heart and lung disease, or even sepsis.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include tender, inflamed, and bleeding gums. Some people experience bad breath, trouble chewing, and sensitive teeth. Luckily, Dr. Welch can help.

Dr. Welch specializes in periodontal disease and maintenance to give you a healthier smile for life.

What To Expect

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance consists of periodic removal of bacterial plaque and calculus from above and beneath the gum line for people with periodontal disease. This helps prevent further infection and other issues involved with periodontal disease.

Periodontal Surgery

When the gum tissue around your teeth loosens, this leaves pockets for bacteria to enter. Over time, this can lead to bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Dr. Welch can perform periodontal surgery to reduce pocket depth and eliminate bacteria to prevent the progression of periodontal disease.

Gum Grafting

What does it involve?

Gum recession leaves your gums vulnerable to infection, hot and cold sensitivity, and potential trauma. With gum grafting, your gums can return to their natural state of protecting your teeth, especially at the root. Dr. Welch takes a thin piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and moves it to the affected tooth to provide a stable band, covering the exposed portion of the root.

What are the benefits?

A gum graft can reduce further recession, bone loss, and potential infection and decay. This procedure can also help reduce hot and cold sensitivity and improve the esthetics of your smile.

Bone Grafting

What is Bone Grafting?

With periodontal disease comes the loss of bone that supports your teeth. In some cases, bone grafting is required. Bone grafting is a regenerative procedure that can reverse some of the damage from bone and tissue loss.

What Occurs During the Procedure?

Dr. Welch folds back the gum tissue and removes disease-causing bacteria and debris. Fillers can be added to encourage bone regeneration.

What are the Benefits?

Bone grafting, in conjunction with daily oral hygiene, increases the chances of keeping your natural teeth and decreases the chance of serious health issues associated with periodontal disease.

Laser Periodontal Therapy

Welch Perio and Dental Implants offer the latest advancement in periodontal technology with Laser Periodontal Therapy. This minimally-invasive therapy replaces the need for outdated tools like sutures and scalpels. You’ll be pleased to know that Dr. Welch is one of the only periodontists in West Tennessee to offer such advancements in periodontal care.

Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy:

  • Better Accuracy
  • More Comfort
  • Improved Healing Time
  • Increased Safety

Call 731.215.2347 to schedule your consultation.