Periodontal/ Gum Treatment

Gum disease may go by many names (periodontal disease, gingivitis and periodontitis) but, they all refer to the infiltration of bacteria-laden plaque into the gums. When we fail to brush and floss effectively, bacteria may end up sticking between; and to; the fronts of your teeth. Over time, this accumulates and hardens into plaque, which when it starts to penetrate below the gum line, causes irritation. Left untreated, the condition worsens, and a wide range of symptoms can develop, including: – Bleeding when brushing, Red, swollen, sore gums, Infections, that could spread beyond the gum and to other parts of the body. Extreme pain.

In its most advanced stage, periodontal disease can cause the bone in the jaw and the gums to deteriorate, meaning that your teeth will lose some of their support. In some instances, patients with severe periodontitis may find that they lose one or more teeth due to the condition. The earlier that periodontal disease is diagnosed, the sooner treatments can be offered, improving the likelihood that you will be able to eradicate the condition entirely, before it causes permanent damage to your smile.

What types of periodontal therapy are available?

If you have been diagnosed with periodontitis, then there is a range of therapies that may be recommended to you. Nearly all dentists will advocate trying non-surgical therapies first, unless your periodontitis is extremely advanced.

Scaling and root planning

This non-surgical dental treatment is one of the most common when it comes to dealing with periodontal disease. It can be performed by either our dentist or hygienist, and local anesthetic is provided to help you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Scaling and root planning is essentially a deep clean of your teeth and gums, with the aim of removing any plaque or tartar that has spread below the gums, causing the periodontal disease. However, it is more involved than a general professional clean. During the scaling, the bacteria are removed from the surface of the tooth and the periodontal pockets. Next, the root surfaces are smoothed, and any infected tooth structure is removed. This part of the process is known as planning.

Antibiotics

ARESTIN is an antibiotic that targets and fights the infection that causes gum disease. ARESTIN isn’t a pill. It’s an antibiotic applied directly at the site of infection, helping you keep gum disease in check.

Perio Protect

Perio Protect home care is doctor-prescribed and patient-applied. When you receive your custom Perio Tray™, your dental team will show you how to place a small amount of prescription medicine in each tray. You wear it for just a few minutes each day. Your dentist will also design a treatment plan specifically for you, as the duration and frequency vary for each patient. The trays are designed with a patented seal to place and hold medication where it is most effective—at the site of infection deep below the gums. A low concentration of hydrogen peroxide gently and thoroughly cleanses the periodontal pockets, combatting bacteria, whitening your teeth and freshening your breath

Nightguard

Some people subconsciously clench or grind their teeth. This is a condition known as bruxism, and studies have shown that it can contribute to the development of periodontal disease. To help reduce the pressure placed on to teeth and gums by periodontal disease, some dentists will recommend that you wear a bite guard at night. This could reduce the likelihood that you will develop periodontitis. Scaling and root planning is essentially a deep clean of your teeth and gums, with the aim of removing any plaque or tartar that has spread below the gums, causing the periodontal disease. However, it is more involved than a general professional clean. During the scaling, the bacteria are removed from the surface of the tooth and the periodontal pockets. Next, the root surfaces are smoothed, and any infected tooth structure is removed. This part of the process is known as planning.

Crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is the most commonly recommended surgical treatment for periodontal disease. Patients can expect their dentist to reshape the gum line by cutting away any infected tissue. More of the tooth is exposed during this procedure, so it is also often recommended as a cosmetic treatment for patients who have particularly ‘gummy’ smiles.