Periodontics - Lexington, KY

Optimize Periodontal Health

The Importance of Soft Tissues

Soft tissue in your mouth may seem unassuming, but it plays a big role in maintaining the health and function of your smile. Gums provide a thick, protective barrier around teeth that block bacteria from harming oral structures and entering the bloodstream. Connective tissue, like the frenulum, provides stability for the upper lip and tongue. When these soft tissues have been damaged or are not functioning properly, it becomes difficult to feel healthy and confident in your smile. At Bluegrass Dentistry, we provide a range of periodontal treatment in Lexington, KY to address these soft tissue concerns and optimize the health and function of your smile.

Benefiting from Periodontal Treatment

Our Select Periodontal Treatment

From gum disease therapy to tongue-tie and lip-tie release, our dentists are trained and experienced in soft tissue procedures. Using minimally invasive techniques, we can improve your soft tissue health and restore proper function and aesthetics to your smile.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is the first step in treating gum disease. This non-surgical treatment is a multi-step process first involving a deep cleaning of the teeth at and below the gum line and within the periodontal pockets. This removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that are causing infection and inflammation of the gum tissues. Next, root planing smooths the surfaces of the teeth to discourage bacteria from harboring in the grooves and to allow for healthier and stronger reattachment of the gum tissues.

Periodontal Maintenance

After comprehensive gum disease treatment, periodontal maintenance ensures it does not progress and harm oral structures again. This routine deep cleaning every 3-4 months is more involved than a normal hygiene appointment. Teeth and gums are more thoroughly cleaned, along with clearing tartar and bacteria from the pockets between the teeth. Then the tooth roots are smoothed to remove any lingering bacteria. Periodontal maintenance can sometimes include antibiotic treatment within the pockets to help accelerate tissue healing.

Adult and Infant Frenectomy

The frenulum is the connective tissue that secures the upper lip and the tongue to the mouth. A functional frenulum provides stability and natural movement, but when this tissue is too restrictive, it results in tongue-tie and lip-tie. Patients of any age with this condition can have trouble eating, swallowing, and speaking. A frenectomy that releases this restrictive tissue under the tongue allows for greater mobility and proper oral function while a release of the upper lip improves nursing with infants and helps reduce the gap between the two front teeth. We may use a gentle laser to complete infant frenectomy to improve comfort and healing.

Don’t wait to treat your soft tissue concerns!

Schedule periodontal treatment in Lexington, KY, and restore your smile.

Periodontics