Periodontal Therapy
Did you know that over half of people over thirty have some level of periodontitis or gum disease? This number only increases as you get older. It is nothing to be ashamed of but it is a medical condition that needs to be treated with general dentistry. Left unchecked, periodontitis can damage the tissues and bone in your jaw and lead to tooth loss. It can also put you at higher risk for serious health condition like cancer and heart problems. Our team at Amber Hills Dental is here to help you combat gum disease with effective periodontal therapy.
Gum Infection Treatment
When you have moderate to severe periodontitis (gum infection), your gums have become infected. The gums begin receding from your teeth as they are inflamed, creating pockets or gaps between the gums and teeth roots. This leads to more bacteria growth in these warm, isolated pockets and progression of the gum infection. To stop the cycle, you need gum infection treatment. Gum infection treatment (scaling and root planing) can remove the tartar and bacteria, but until those pockets close, you are at risk of having more plaque and tartar form in these deep areas. We can offer medications that can help manage your gum infection and help your gums heal between visits to our office for treatments.
Scaling and Root Planing
This method goes beneath the gum line to scale away any tartar that is on the tooth root. The planing process smooths the root, allowing for the gum tissue to regenerate and heal. Since we need to go beneath the gum line, we use anesthesia during these treatments to ensure there is no pain.
Periodontitis (gum infection) can be stopped from causing you further dental problems with treatment. Our periodontal therapy options at Amber Hills Dental are the best way to stop this disease and protect your smile and overall health. Contact our dental practice today for an appointment and start restoring your oral health.
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What is the main cause of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene, meaning the patient is not brushing and flossing frequently or well enough at home, and they may not be scheduling routine dental cleanings and exams either. In this case, ensuring that you have a great at-home oral care routine and are visiting our office regularly can help you avoid developing periodontitis. Gum disease can also develop as a result of genetics, hormones, and certain medications. In these cases, gum disease is more difficult to avoid, but our team will do our best to help you manage your gum health.
Is gum disease reversible?
There are four stages of gum disease: gingivitis, mild periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and severe periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the only form of gum disease that is completely reversible. If you notice signs of gingivitis, like red, puffy, or sensitive gums or gum bleeding when you brush your teeth, it is essential that you enhance your oral care routine to treat the problem. If regularly brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is not helping, seeking advice from your Henderson dental team is the next best step.
How long does scaling and root planing take?
Periodontal deep cleanings take longer than routine dental cleanings, so we always advise patients to keep this in mind when scheduling their visits. The approximate length of time depends on a few different factors, like how long it’s been since the patient’s last cleaning and how much tartar has collected in the gum pockets. Periodontal cleanings may take around one or two hours at a time, and sometimes two or three sessions need to be scheduled so that each quadrant of the mouth can be cleaned effectively. Our team can provide you with an estimate during your next visit.