Periodontal Treatments
Periodontal treatments target gum disease, ranging from at-home care to surgical procedures by dentists or periodontists. Poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease, leading to potential tooth loss and heightened risks of various health disorders such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Gum disease can serve as an indicator of diabetes due to its impact on the body’s ability to fight bacteria, often resulting in gingivitis. Dr. Sama Lotlikar, who specialises in periodontics, empowers the patients with personalised strategies to help them navigate these diseases with confidence and ease.
Scaling and Root Planing
may be necessary in severe cases of gum disease, such as periodontitis, to remove tartar accumulation and treat gum inflammation. We perform these deep-cleaning procedures to effectively remove hardened deposits from tooth and root surfaces, safeguarding the risk of tooth, gum, and bone loss.
Curettage
is a dental procedure to clean the roots of the teeth and gums with the goal of removing bacterial plaque and tartar, which, if left unaddressed, can precipitate periodontal disease (gum disease). Dr. Sama Lotlikar, periodontics specialist, ensures expert care in performing this procedure.
LANAP, or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure
is a recent and most advanced intervention for treating periodontal disease. Its remarkable precision and efficacy quickly position it as a significant advancement in periodontics. Lotlikar’s Dental Foundation clinics, are one of the only clinics in Goa specializing in periodontal treatments, equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment required for these procedures.
Local Drug Delivery Systems (LDDSs)
serve as a promising adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) in periodontitis. This strategic approach holds considerable potential for improving efficacy and reducing adverse effects through controlled drug release.
Crown Lengthening
is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of soft tissue and, at times, bone to augment the visible area of the tooth. This intervention may be conducted by a periodontist on a single tooth, multiple teeth, or across the entire gumline.
Frenectomy
is an oral surgical procedure that treats a lip-tie or tongue-tie to enhance the range of motion of the tongue or facilitate the closure of interdental gaps. This treatment offers many benefits across oral health and function.
Depigmentation
is a periodontal plastic surgical procedure that reduces or eliminates hyperpigmentation using a variety of techniques. Its objective is to lighten the gum tissue, restoring the aesthetic appearance of the gums.
Gingivectomy
is a surgical procedure that involves the excision of diseased gingival tissue. This surgery reduces the risk of further infection, associated discomfort, and bleeding.
Gingivoplasty
is the surgical reshaping of gum tissue around the teeth. It is performed to alter the gums to make them appear more natural. It is often done alone but can be done during or after a gingivectomy. For a comprehensive consultation, contact Dr. Sama Lotlikar at one of her two clinics located in South Goa.
Periodontal Flap Surgery
or gum flap surgery, addresses periodontal pockets beneath the gum line in advanced stages of gum disease. The procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar around teeth to ensure optimal oral hygiene.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
is a regenerative procedure used to repair periodontal defects by stimulating new bone growth around the tooth, enhancing support and stability. This method increases bone height, improves tooth attachment, and extends tooth lifespan.
Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)
is used to augment bone volume in areas affected by bone resorption resulting from prolonged tooth/teeth loss. Using fixed partial dentures in such sites may result in diminished bone and tissue volume, compromising esthetic outcomes.
Mucogingival Surgery
also known as periodontal plastic surgery, aims to restore lost gum tissue caused by congenital defects or oral habits such as aggressive brushing.
Implant-Supported Hybrid Prostheses
which also include acrylic resin complete fixed dental prostheses, are viable solutions for cases that require restoration for esthetics, function, lip support, and speech, particularly in severe instances.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy
formerly known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), involves applying red and near-infrared light to injuries or lesions to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve acute and chronic pain.
Photobiostimulation
is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths to target particular areas of action. Through skin penetration, photons are absorbed by cells to facilitate therapeutic effects.
Soft Tissue Peri-Implant Augmentation
has become an essential aspect of implant-prosthetic rehabilitation, involving techniques to increase keratinized tissue adhering to the periosteum for effective self-plaque control.
Periodontal Microsurgery
is an advancement from conventional techniques that minimises surgical trauma and enhances patient care through the precise use of a surgical microscope and specialised instruments.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery and Esthetic Surgery
procedures serve to correct or prevent complications from traumatic injuries or plaque-induced diseases. These interventions address anomalies in the anatomical development of the mouth, thereby promoting functional and aesthetic symmetry.
Soft Tissue Grafting
involves removing a small amount of tissue from another intraoral region and placing it into the recessed area.
Peri-Implant Disease
are inflammatory conditions that affect the soft and hard gum tissues around dental implants. It can be treated with a combination of deep cleaning and antimicrobial therapy. In severe cases, the implant may need to be removed and replaced.
FAQ
Can you stop periodontitis?
If caught early, gum disease can be reversed, but once it progresses to periodontitis, it must be managed for the rest of your life. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection, and if you notice persistent symptoms like bleeding gums, book an appointment with us immediately.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
We tailor our approach to minimise any discomfort, considering factors such as the extent of the periodontal disease, the specific procedures involved, and your personal pain tolerance. We use local anaesthetics or numbing gels as needed to ensure a gentle experience.
What is the early stage of periodontitis?
In the early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed.
What are stages 3 & 4 of periodontitis?
In more serious cases, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bones can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out, affecting normal chewing and biting.