Periodontal disease is a low grade, chronic infection of the gum tissue. It is caused by plaque, a bacterial biofilm that develops on the teeth. If left untreated, it can result in inflammation, bone loss, recession, poor esthetics, sensitivity, abscesses, pain and tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease also contributes to the severity of other systemic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Soft tissue grafting involves augmentation of the gums around teeth - typically where recession has occured. While not all recession requires grafting, there are some areas of recession that require soft tissue grafting. The four main reasons for soft tissue grafting are:
- Lack of Attached Gingiva
- Root Sensitivity
- Esthetics
- Progressing Recession
Implant therapy involves replacing one or multiple teeth that have been lost to infection or decay, or simply those teeth that are congenitally missing. Implants are extremely versatile, and can be used to support single crowns, fixed bridges, dentures and even full mouth fixed prostheses. It is important to be evaluated for implant therapy prior to any extractions, as ridge preservation is typically used to maintain bone support for future implants.