Periodontal Therapy
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a prevalent oral health issue impacting nearly half of American adults over the age of 30, according to the CDC. This condition arises from a bacterial infection that targets both gum and bone tissue.
In its initial stage, known as gingivitis, the gums become inflamed and swollen but can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene practices. However, if left untreated, it advances to periodontitis, a more severe form that can only be managed, not cured. Poor oral hygiene is the primary contributor to the development and progression of gum disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
During any routine checkup, our team can inspect your mouth for symptoms of gum disease. Remember, these warning signs aren’t always obvious at first and you might not notice them at home on your own. That said, here are a few things that we’ll be on the lookout for:
- Swollen or reddish gums
- Bleeding gums, mostly when brushing or flossing
- Teeth that look particularly long (which is often a side effect of gum recession)
- A change in how your teeth fit together
- Permanent teeth that have loosened
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
How we treat gum disease depends on how severe your current condition is. Once you’ve come in for your appointment and our team has had the chance to inspect your situation, we can begin walking you through your options and explaining which treatment route may be best for your smile. That said, we’re excited to offer a wide range of options that can address and help manage gum disease at virtually any stage.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are considered the gold standard of periodontal therapy because they allow our team to treat the infection right at its source. First, an ultrasonic cleaner will be used to break up and remove any plaque and tartar that has built up around your gums (scaling), and then we’ll gently smooth out the rough surfaces of your teeth’s roots (root planing). This will make plaque less likely to accumulate on them in the future, lowering your chances of redeveloping gum disease.
Antibiotic Therapy
After your initial periodontal therapy cleanings, our team may decide to apply a topical antibiotic to your gums in order to further fight the infection. After being placed on your gums, the antibiotic will harden into a wax-like substance and slowly dissolve over the next few days. This will allow the medicine to reach and eliminate even the most deeply hidden bacteria. We may also prescribe an oral antibiotic if necessary.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
Harmful bacteria located along the gum line can literally be vaporized in an instant with our soft tissue laser. Its highly-focused beam of light can be used to precisely attack gum disease, and it can even remove infected tissue while reducing both bleeding and swelling. It’s so accurate that it can leave the surrounding healthy tissue completely untouched, ensuring a quick and easy recovery afterward.
Chao Pinhole Technique
Gum recession, where the tissue pulls away from the teeth and exposes the sensitive roots, is actually one of the most common symptoms of gum disease. In the past, the only way to address this issue was with an invasive gum graft, but at Blossom Smiles Dental Dentistry, we don’t live in the past. Using the Chao Pinhole Technique, all it will take to restore your gum line is a tiny hole that is literally the size of a pin. Using special tools, your doctor will be able to gently stretch and massage your gum line back to its original position, saving you from the incisions and sutures typically needed to accomplish this.