Periodontal Therapy Options
Our personalized recommendation for your gum disease treatment will depend on the severity of your current condition, and may include the following:
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Scaling & Root Planing – This in-depth cleaning goes a step beyond our traditional hygiene appointments, targeting plaque and bacteria that is both underneath the gum line and gathered along the rough surfaces of the tooth roots.
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Soft Tissue Laser Therapy – This innovative treatment option can target and remove diseased gum tissue with pinpoint accuracy, all while minimizing bleeding, accelerating healing, and promoting new, healthy tissue growth.
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Antibiotic Therapy – Antibiotic therapy is typically used in conjunction with the above services in order to more effectively target dangerous bacteria that may have been left behind on the first go-around. Our goal is to eliminate the source of infection as comprehensively as possible!
HOW CAN I PREVENT GUM DISEASE?
As with many health conditions, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to keeping your gums and smile healthy.
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Brush gently for two minutes, twice a day.
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Floss twice a day – every day.
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See your dentist at least twice a year.
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Keep a close eye on your oral hygiene if you have a family history of gum disease.
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Stay in shape since people at a healthier body weight have less rates of this condition.
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Avoid sugar to quell bacteria.
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Stop smoking and discontinue tobacco use.
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Don’t ignore bleeding gums – this troubling symptom is a sign of problems that should be addressed asap.
STAGE 1: GINGIVITIS
You’ve probably heard the term gingivitis, which defines the early stage of gum disease. During this initial phase, the gums become swollen and red because harmful bacteria thrive between the teeth and infect the tissue.
Symptoms:
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Red, swollen gums
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Bleeding while brushing and flossing
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Receding gum line
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Bad breath
STAGE 2: PERIODONTITIS
Gingivitis can progress into this condition that results in the damage of soft tissue and loss of bone that supports your teeth.
Symptoms:
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Swollen, bright red gums
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Tender gums
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Spaces between the teeth
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Buildup of pus between teeth and gums
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Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
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Loose teeth that don’t fit together when you bite
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STAGE 3: ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS
In this stage, the bone tissue that holds your teeth is destroyed. This can lead to loose teeth that need to be removed, or eventually fall out on their own – leading to the need for dentures or dental implants.
Symptoms:
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Chronic bad breath
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Swollen and bleeding gums
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Severe receding gums
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Deep periodontal pockets
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Loose or misaligned teeth
