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GumDiseaseWhen non-surgical treatment is notindicated or has already been attempted,your periodontist may recommend surgeryto treat gum disease and its consequences.Pocket Reduction/Osseous SurgeryPocket reduction or osseous surgeryinvolves folding back the gum tissue andremoving the disease-causing bacteriabefore securing the tissue into place withsutures. In some cases, irregular surfaces ofthe damaged bone are smoothed to limitareas where bacteria can hide, allowing thegums to better reattach to healthy bone.Regeneration SurgeryIn some cases, regenerative surgery canreverse the damage caused by gum diseaseby reconstructing lost bone. This procedureinvolves folding back the gum tissue andremoving the disease-causing bacteria.Membranes, bone grafts and growth factorscan be used to encourage your body’snatural ability to regenerate bone andtissue.Gum Graft SurgeryGum recession results in exposed toothroots. Gum graft surgery augments thegums where recession has occurred andhelps prevent additional loss of gum andbone tissue. During gum graft surgery, yourperiodontist takes gum tissue from yourpalate or another donor source to treat theexposed root. Gum graft surgery may helpreduce tooth sensitivity and improve theesthetics of your smile.SURGICAL TREATMENTSeacoast Periodontics & Dental Implants185 Cottage Street, Suite 2Portsmouth, NH 03801(603) 294-0110www.rosaniadmd.com

Gum disease is often silent, meaningsymptoms may not appear until theadvanced stages. However, warning signsof gum disease include the following:Red, swollen, or tender gumsBleeding while brushing or flossingGums that are receding or pullingaway from the teeth, causing the teethto look longer than beforeLoose or separating teethPersistent bad breathGum disease starts as gingivitis, which is areversible, surface-level inflammation ofthe gums. Left untreated, gingivitis oftenprogresses to periodontitis.WHAT GUM DISEASE?Smoking/Tobacco UseStudies have shown that tobacco use maybe one of the most significant risk factorsin the development and progression ofperiodontal disease.GeneticsResearch has indicated that some peoplemay be genetically susceptible to gumdisease. Despite diligent at-home oral carehabits, these people may be more likely todevelop periodontal disease.Clenching or Grinding Your TeethClenching or grinding your teeth can putexcess force on the supporting tissues ofthe teeth and could speed up the rate atwhich these periodontal tissues aredestroyed.Systemic DiseasesSystemic diseases that interfere with thebody’s inflammatory system may worsenthe condition of the gums. Conversely, oralinflammation may contribute to theprogression of other diseases. Severalstudies have demonstrated a connectionbetween periodontal disease andconditions including cardiovasculardisease, diabetes, obesity, respiratorydiseases, cancers, Alzheimer's disease andrheumatoid arthritis. Treating periodontaldisease and maintaining oral health maybe protective against these diseases.GUM DISEASE RISK FACTORSPERIODONTITISAs plaque spreads below the gum line,untreated gingivitis can advance toperiodontitis. Toxins produced by thebacteria in plaque irritate the gums andstimulate a chronic inflammatoryresponse that destroys the tissues andbone that support the teeth. Gumsseparate from the teeth, forming pocketsbetween the teeth and gums. As thedisease progresses, these pockets becomedeeper, providing a larger space forbacteria to accumulate and advanceunder the gum tissue, and more gumtissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually,teeth can become loose and may fall outor need to be removed.NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTNon-surgical therapy is the first-linetreatment for gum disease and is oftenperformed by a skilled hygienist. Scaling and Root PlaningIn scaling and root planing, your providerwill perform a deep cleaning of yourtooth root surfaces. First, your providerwill scale beneath the gumline toremove plaque and other bacterial toxinsfrom periodontal pockets. Root planingallows your provider to smooth the toothroot to prevent future plaque or toxinsfrom adhering.Many patients do not require additionaltreatment after scaling and root planing.However, the majority of patients willrequire ongoing preventativemaintenance therapy to sustainperiodontal health.Laser TreatmentLasers can be used to treat periodontaldisease. Current controlled studies haveshown that similar results have beenfound with laser treatment compared toother non-surgical treatment options,including scaling and root planing alone. When non-surgical treatment does notachieve optimal periodontal health, yourperiodontist may recommend gumsurgery.

Gum disease is often silent, meaningsymptoms may not appear until theadvanced stages. However, warning signsof gum disease include the following:Red, swollen, or tender gumsBleeding while brushing or flossingGums that are receding or pullingaway from the teeth, causing the teethto look longer than beforeLoose or separating teethPersistent bad breathGum disease starts as gingivitis, which is areversible, surface-level inflammation ofthe gums. Left untreated, gingivitis oftenprogresses to periodontitis.WHAT GUM DISEASE?Smoking/Tobacco UseStudies have shown that tobacco use maybe one of the most significant risk factorsin the development and progression ofperiodontal disease.GeneticsResearch has indicated that some peoplemay be genetically susceptible to gumdisease. Despite diligent at-home oral carehabits, these people may be more likely todevelop periodontal disease.Clenching or Grinding Your TeethClenching or grinding your teeth can putexcess force on the supporting tissues ofthe teeth and could speed up the rate atwhich these periodontal tissues aredestroyed.Systemic DiseasesSystemic diseases that interfere with thebody’s inflammatory system may worsenthe condition of the gums. Conversely, oralinflammation may contribute to theprogression of other diseases. Severalstudies have demonstrated a connectionbetween periodontal disease andconditions including cardiovasculardisease, diabetes, obesity, respiratorydiseases, cancers, Alzheimer's disease andrheumatoid arthritis. Treating periodontaldisease and maintaining oral health maybe protective against these diseases.GUM DISEASE RISK FACTORSPERIODONTITISAs plaque spreads below the gum line,untreated gingivitis can advance toperiodontitis. Toxins produced by thebacteria in plaque irritate the gums andstimulate a chronic inflammatoryresponse that destroys the tissues andbone that support the teeth. Gumsseparate from the teeth, forming pocketsbetween the teeth and gums. As thedisease progresses, these pockets becomedeeper, providing a larger space forbacteria to accumulate and advanceunder the gum tissue, and more gumtissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually,teeth can become loose and may fall outor need to be removed.NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTNon-surgical therapy is the first-linetreatment for gum disease and is oftenperformed by a skilled hygienist. Scaling and Root PlaningIn scaling and root planing, your providerwill perform a deep cleaning of yourtooth root surfaces. First, your providerwill scale beneath the gumline toremove plaque and other bacterial toxinsfrom periodontal pockets. Root planingallows your provider to smooth the toothroot to prevent future plaque or toxinsfrom adhering.Many patients do not require additionaltreatment after scaling and root planing.However, the majority of patients willrequire ongoing preventativemaintenance therapy to sustainperiodontal health.Laser TreatmentLasers can be used to treat periodontaldisease. Current controlled studies haveshown that similar results have beenfound with laser treatment compared toother non-surgical treatment options,including scaling and root planing alone. When non-surgical treatment does notachieve optimal periodontal health, yourperiodontist may recommend gumsurgery.

Gum disease is often silent, meaningsymptoms may not appear until theadvanced stages. However, warning signsof gum disease include the following:Red, swollen, or tender gumsBleeding while brushing or flossingGums that are receding or pullingaway from the teeth, causing the teethto look longer than beforeLoose or separating teethPersistent bad breathGum disease starts as gingivitis, which is areversible, surface-level inflammation ofthe gums. Left untreated, gingivitis oftenprogresses to periodontitis.WHAT GUM DISEASE?Smoking/Tobacco UseStudies have shown that tobacco use maybe one of the most significant risk factorsin the development and progression ofperiodontal disease.GeneticsResearch has indicated that some peoplemay be genetically susceptible to gumdisease. Despite diligent at-home oral carehabits, these people may be more likely todevelop periodontal disease.Clenching or Grinding Your TeethClenching or grinding your teeth can putexcess force on the supporting tissues ofthe teeth and could speed up the rate atwhich these periodontal tissues aredestroyed.Systemic DiseasesSystemic diseases that interfere with thebody’s inflammatory system may worsenthe condition of the gums. Conversely, oralinflammation may contribute to theprogression of other diseases. Severalstudies have demonstrated a connectionbetween periodontal disease andconditions including cardiovasculardisease, diabetes, obesity, respiratorydiseases, cancers, Alzheimer's disease andrheumatoid arthritis. Treating periodontaldisease and maintaining oral health maybe protective against these diseases.GUM DISEASE RISK FACTORSPERIODONTITISAs plaque spreads below the gum line,untreated gingivitis can advance toperiodontitis. Toxins produced by thebacteria in plaque irritate the gums andstimulate a chronic inflammatoryresponse that destroys the tissues andbone that support the teeth. Gumsseparate from the teeth, forming pocketsbetween the teeth and gums. As thedisease progresses, these pockets becomedeeper, providing a larger space forbacteria to accumulate and advanceunder the gum tissue, and more gumtissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually,teeth can become loose and may fall outor need to be removed.NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTNon-surgical therapy is the first-linetreatment for gum disease and is oftenperformed by a skilled hygienist. Scaling and Root PlaningIn scaling and root planing, your providerwill perform a deep cleaning of yourtooth root surfaces. First, your providerwill scale beneath the gumline toremove plaque and other bacterial toxinsfrom periodontal pockets. Root planingallows your provider to smooth the toothroot to prevent future plaque or toxinsfrom adhering.Many patients do not require additionaltreatment after scaling and root planing.However, the majority of patients willrequire ongoing preventativemaintenance therapy to sustainperiodontal health.Laser TreatmentLasers can be used to treat periodontaldisease. Current controlled studies haveshown that similar results have beenfound with laser treatment compared toother non-surgical treatment options,including scaling and root planing alone. When non-surgical treatment does notachieve optimal periodontal health, yourperiodontist may recommend gumsurgery.

GumDiseaseWhen non-surgical treatment is notindicated or has already been attempted,your periodontist may recommend surgeryto treat gum disease and its consequences.Pocket Reduction/Osseous SurgeryPocket reduction or osseous surgeryinvolves folding back the gum tissue andremoving the disease-causing bacteriabefore securing the tissue into place withsutures. In some cases, irregular surfaces ofthe damaged bone are smoothed to limitareas where bacteria can hide, allowing thegums to better reattach to healthy bone.Regeneration SurgeryIn some cases, regenerative surgery canreverse the damage caused by gum diseaseby reconstructing lost bone. This procedureinvolves folding back the gum tissue andremoving the disease-causing bacteria.Membranes, bone grafts and growth factorscan be used to encourage your body’snatural ability to regenerate bone andtissue.Gum Graft SurgeryGum recession results in exposed toothroots. Gum graft surgery augments thegums where recession has occurred andhelps prevent additional loss of gum andbone tissue. During gum graft surgery, yourperiodontist takes gum tissue from yourpalate or another donor source to treat theexposed root. Gum graft surgery may helpreduce tooth sensitivity and improve theesthetics of your smile.SURGICAL TREATMENTSeacoast Periodontics & Dental Implants185 Cottage Street, Suite 2Portsmouth, NH 03801(603) 294-0110www.rosaniadmd.com

GumDiseaseWhen non-surgical treatment is notindicated or has already been attempted,your periodontist may recommend surgeryto treat gum disease and its consequences.Pocket Reduction/Osseous SurgeryPocket reduction or osseous surgeryinvolves folding back the gum tissue andremoving the disease-causing bacteriabefore securing the tissue into place withsutures. In some cases, irregular surfaces ofthe damaged bone are smoothed to limitareas where bacteria can hide, allowing thegums to better reattach to healthy bone.Regeneration SurgeryIn some cases, regenerative surgery canreverse the damage caused by gum diseaseby reconstructing lost bone. This procedureinvolves folding back the gum tissue andremoving the disease-causing bacteria.Membranes, bone grafts and growth factorscan be used to encourage your body’snatural ability to regenerate bone andtissue.Gum Graft SurgeryGum recession results in exposed toothroots. Gum graft surgery augments thegums where recession has occurred andhelps prevent additional loss of gum andbone tissue. During gum graft surgery, yourperiodontist takes gum tissue from yourpalate or another donor source to treat theexposed root. Gum graft surgery may helpreduce tooth sensitivity and improve theesthetics of your smile.SURGICAL TREATMENTSeacoast Periodontics & Dental Implants185 Cottage Street, Suite 2Portsmouth, NH 03801(603) 294-0110www.rosaniadmd.com