Periodontal Therapy

Did you know that gum disease is the most common dental issue in the world? In fact, half of all adults in the United States have some form of it according to data gathered by the CDC. It’s nothing to brush off; not only is it a leading cause of permanent tooth loss but it has been shown to have a link to a number of systemic health problems (meaning issues that affect the whole body), including heart attacks and diabetes. At ProSmiles, we put a large amount of emphasis on gum health. If you notice any troublesome gum symptoms such as redness or sensitivity, we urge you to call today to schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment.

Why Choose ProSmiles For Gum Disease Treatment?

• Thorough Gum Checks at Every Checkup
• A Caring Expert Dental Hygiene Team
• Specialized Treatments in One Location

What Causes Gum Disease?

The plaque that can easily lead to cavities is also the most likely cause of gum disease. As plaque accumulates along the gums, the bacteria it contains can inflame and damage the soft tissue. You’re more likely to develop gum disease if you have poor oral hygiene habits, use tobacco on a regular basis, or are genetically vulnerable to the disease. You can avoid gum disease altogether with regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits. That said, if you do notice the symptoms of gum disease, you should seek care as soon as possible.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Part of any routine examination at our dental office involves a thorough check of the gums. If the tissue is redder than it should be, or if it has become swollen, it will be taken as a sign that you have early gum disease. You can also be proactive about your gum health by calling us if you notice minor bleeding whenever you brush your teeth, suffer from persistent bad breath, regularly experience an inexplicable foul taste in your mouth, or see signs of gum recession (such as longer teeth). Don’t delay in calling us for too long; gum infections are easier to deal with when they’re caught as early as possible.

Scaling & Root Planing

The first step in treating gum disease is to get rid of the plaque and bacteria from under and around the gum line. This is done through a deep cleaning, which unlike a regular dental cleaning is primarily focused on the gums and the tooth roots. Deep cleaning is split into scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of breaking up and removing plaque deposits, and root planing involve smoothing out the roots of the teeth so that plaque will not gather around the area as easily in the future.

Antibiotic Therapy

The space between your teeth and gums is called a periodontal pocket. Such spaces can become much bigger as gum disease destroys the connective tissues, and they are a prime target for bacteria to accumulate. We can fight the harmful bacteria with the help of a topical antibiotic, which can be administered after scaling and root planing. Note that you will have to continue to visit our dental office on a regular basis so that we can clean your mouth and make sure that the area hasn’t become reinfected.