Gum Regeneration in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Our gums often take a backseat to our teeth, but without this soft, pink tissue we would not have teeth at all. Our gums play a critical role in both protecting our tooth roots and in also holding our teeth firmly in place. If your gum tissue becomes compromised, it can have a harmful effect on the longevity of our teeth and can even impact our overall health. If left untreated, the bacteria that cause gum disease can also enter the bloodstream and pass bacterial infections to other organs, triggering inflammation in other body systems.
Gum Regeneration Information
Patients suffering from gum disease have a significantly better chance of developing health conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, is a common occurrence if you have moderate to severe gum disease. Not only does this look unpleasant and can make your smile seem unattractive, but these periodontal pockets are ideal for trapping even more bacteria, escalating the rate of infection progression.
The Benefits of Gum Regeneration Procedures
Gum regeneration procedures are performed to stop the progression of gum disease. These treatments regrow gum tissue and bone by eliminating and removing the existing periodontal disease-causing bacteria. Gum regeneration procedures reduce pocket depth and allow the gum tissue to repair itself.
Following a successful gum regeneration procedure, the tooth-anchoring bone is stronger, and the chances of tooth loss are dramatically reduced.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
The Gum Regeneration Procedures
When PerioImplant Associates performs a gum regeneration procedure, periodontal pockets are cleaned by first folding back the gum tissue and removing bacteria. A thin resorbable membrane is then inserted between the tissue and the pocket. This membrane promotes the body to regenerate the bone and gum tissue. This membrane stimulates tissue growth and also acts as a barrier so that the faster-growing soft tissues will not invade the space where the slower-growing bone is developing.
- Gum Grafting- Gum grafting is an extremely popular and successful method of gum generation. The process includes taking tissue from your palate, which is the roof of the mouth, and using sutures attaching it to the areas of your gums that require the regeneration. As the graft heals it grows with the gums around your teeth, covering the pockets that have formed and closing the gap against your teeth to restore an even smile line. Gum grafting is an invasive procedure and so we usually perform it using a local anesthetic, with dental sedation possible if beneficial. You will need to follow a soft-food diet and take particular care of your teeth and gums while the graft heals. PerioImplant Associates will give you specific instructions to follow during this time.
- Bone Grafting- If you are affected by tooth loss over time because of severe gum disease you will find that your jawbone deteriorates in density as well. This will affect the shape of your face as well as your ability to be able to successfully receive a tooth replacement solution such as a dental implant. Bone grafting is a common procedure as part of gum regeneration. Like gum grafting, bone grafting involves either your own natural bone, or an artificial alternative being taken and placed next to the area of the jaw that is needed support. This graft is attached using special material and both the existing and new bone regenerate together, adding strength to your jaw. This procedure is often used to prepare the jawbone to receive dental implants. This is because the dental implant is a tiny titanium post being surgically placed into the jaw to form a permanent base for the artificial crown.
- Sinus lift- The sinuses are the connected system of cavities in your skull that help with our respiratory processes. The maxillary sinuses are located on both sides of your nose and above the upper jaw. If you have experienced tooth loss because of gum disease and are considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth, PerioImplant Associates may recommend that you have this simple procedure. A sinus lift is necessary when the bone in the upper jaw is too close to the sinuses, so the placement of implant posts does not potentially cause any damage to the sinuses.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
Gum Regeneration Aftercare
The effectiveness of the gum regeneration procedure will depend on your willingness to follow a strict postoperative diet and to practice careful oral care. PerioImplant Associates will help you determine if gum regeneration surgery is beneficial for you. You can increase your chances of preserving your natural teeth by practicing daily oral hygiene, undergoing consistent professional maintenance, and following a mindful diet. These efforts will limit the progression of gum disease and decrease the likelihood of other dental problems.
Gum Regeneration Treatment Costs
The cost of your gum regeneration will depend on your individual needs and your personal treatment plan. We will discuss with you the projected cost of your treatment, insurance coverage, and available payment options before we begin, so that we can together make the best choice for your situation.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
The complete team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary focus, and that is to serve you. It can be natural or normal for you to experience anxiety about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Understanding that dental anxiety, we will always take our time in explaining the benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for your situation. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are completely trained to address your concerns and issues. We will share the aspects of periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain our general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a gum regeneration procedure for you. We will send you home with a healthy smile of your own that you will be eager to share.