Periodontal Treatment
PERIODONTAL TREATMENT FOCUSES ON HEALTHY GUMS
Patients suffering from gum disease should visit Southern Shores Dental for periodontal treatments. Most people experience minor cases of gingivitis at some point in their lives, and it is taken care of at their regular dental exam and cleaning.
However, patients with an advanced stage of gingivitis, called periodontitis, are likely to experience infected pockets below the gum line. If untreated, this bacterial infection can destroy connective gum tissue and the supporting bone, and eventually lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, periodontal treatment can prevent this if done so before the disease advances.
Why Do I Have Gum Disease?
Besides genetics, there are several lifestyle factors associated with gum disease. Some of the top risk factors for periodontal disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Hormonal changes in females
- Smoking
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Other illnesses
- Medications that reduce the amount of saliva or blood flow in the mouth
In certain instances, such as with smoking, changing your behavior along with receiving periodontal treatment gives you the best outlook. Other factors, such as genetics and hormonal changes, are out of your control. A regular visit to the friendly folks at the dental office of Southern Shores Dental can help you catch gum disease in its early stages to prevent long term damage to your mouth.
What to Expect
The staff at Southern Shores Dental have seen many, many cases of periodontal disease. As a result, you can anticipate the best care and treatment for your gum disease from our knowledgeable dental office.
There are certain procedures that our staff can perform for periodontal treatment. Through a series of deep cleaning appointments, scaling and root planing can remove bacteria from the gums. Unlike a regular dental cleaning, deep cleaning goes further than the cosmetic surface of the teeth.
Scaling is the removal of tartar from the tooth, including below the gum line. This procedure is coupled with root planing, which is the removal of bacteria in pockets along the tooth root. Together, these treatments can decrease the amount of bacteria causing periodontitis.
In cases where there is a great deal of tartar or plaque, the staff at Southern Shores Dental may use a laser to efficiently remove the hardened material. It is common to experience swollen or sore gums following this procedure. Other procedures you may receive include:
- X-rays of your teeth and gums to detect any tooth decay or bone loss
- Medications, such as antimicrobial mouthwash or antibiotics to reduce the bacteria in the mouth
The best way to manage your gum disease is through regular sessions of periodontal treatment and excellent dental care at home. If you or someone in your family thinks you may be suffering from gum disease or periodontitis, contact our office at 803-359-6143 today to schedule an appointment.
