Treatment of Periodontitis

Periodontists are gum specialists who will develop a tailored treatment plan depending on the severity of the disease, aiming to remove infection, restore function and improve aesthetics.

Dr Jeremy Vo utilises the latest techniques to treat periodontitis.

Non-surgical scaling and root debridement

• Is the first treatment of choice for managing periodontitis
• Dr Jeremy Vo uses the latest equipment available for removal of deep deposits of plaque and calculus (tartar). These include newly developed ultrasonic instrumentation and airflow technology.
• This instrumentation is designed to reach below the gum line, areas where brushing and flossing cannot reach, including the roots of teeth
• In early gum disease (also known as gingivitis), scaling and root planning in addition to improved oral hygiene can be enough to reverse the infective processes and prevent advancement of the disease.
• Dr Jeremy Vo can successfully resolve most cases of periodontitis with only one round of this conservative therapy.

Surgical treatment

In cases of severe periodontal disease, scaling and root debridement may not be enough to eliminate infection and restore health. The following are common surgical therapies for periodontitis:

Pocket Depth Reduction

Gums should fit snugly around teeth. Periodontitis results in pockets forming in the spaces between your gums and teeth, allowing bacteria to accumulate and cause further damage. Dr Jeremy Vo will clear the pockets of infection and retighten the gum tissue to eliminate or reduce pockets.

Bone grafting

Periodontitis destroys the bone supporting teeth. A regenerative procedure can help to reverse some of the damage. After reducing the disease-causing bacteria, Dr Jeremy Vo may use membranes, bone grafts or tissue stimulating proteins to encourage your body’s ability to regenerate and recover healthy bone tissue.

Root coverage

These procedures are often used to treat exposed roots of teeth caused by gum recession. Dr Jeremy Vo will take gum tissue from another part of your mouth, most commonly the palate (roof of mouth), and use it to cover the exposed roots or where there requires gum tissue. This helps protect the exposed root surfaces from decay and aid in reducing tooth sensitivity.

Dental implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made out of metal. It is inserted into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. They are a long-term solution to missing teeth that are meant to look, feel and function more similarly to natural teeth. Dr Jeremy Vo can place a dental implant as an option to restore missing teeth in your mouth.

Following resolution of the periodontitis, Dr Jeremy Vo will assist you in gum maintenance. You will be provided with advice on ways to sustain the health of your gums. These may include follow-up visits, a tailored oral hygiene regime of brushing and cleaning between the teeth, and perhaps the use of antimicrobials.