PERIODONTICS

• Management of Diseases
• Mucogingival Procedures

Management of Diseases Affecting the Periodontal Tissues

Dr Patterson is able to diagnose, treat and manage a range of diseases that affect the periodontal tissues. The treatment options he provides include both surgical and non-surgical approaches, including the use of lasers and local and systemic antimicrobials, depending on the type and extent of the disease.

One of the most common diseases affecting the periodontal tissues is periodontitis. The disease affects the bone and the supporting tissues around the teeth, causing gaps between the teeth and gums. This can lead to deterioration and loosening of the teeth, although the progression of the disease can occur over a long period of time and often goes unnoticed. The most common symptom of the early stage of the disease is bleeding gums during brushing, which may stop over time as the gums continue to deteriorate.

There are a number of surgical procedures available for the treatment of periodontal disease, including:

• Pocket reduction procedure
  During this procedure, Dr Patterson folds back the gum tissue in order to remove bacteria and smooth areas of the bone that have been damaged. This allows the gum tissue to reattach to the healthy areas of bone.
• Gum grafts
  In cases where roots have been exposed as a result of gum recession, gum tissue can be taken from the palate or other part of the body and used to cover the roots. Covering up the exposed roots of the teeth helps to alleviate sensitivity and protects the roots from further decay, as well as bone loss and gum recession.
• Regenerative procedures
  During a regenerative procedure, Dr Patterson will remove any bacteria in an area where bone has been destroyed, before placing synthetic bone in its place. Tissue-stimulating proteins may be used to allow the bone and tissue to grow.