What is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy involves intervention and procedures geared toward the treatment and management of periodontal disease. This condition affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss and other serious health issues if left untreated (American Academy of Periodontology, 2020). Periodontal therapy aims to restore gum health, prevent further damage, and improve overall oral hygiene (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
You may be in need of periodontal therapy if you are experiencing the following:
- Red, Swollen Gums That Bleed Easily: This indicates inflammation and potential gum disease, often caused by plaque buildup (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
- Persistent Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath can result from bacterial buildup associated with gum disease (Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2019).
- Gum Separation from Teeth: Receding gums form pockets that trap bacteria and food particles, worsening gum disease (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2021).
- Loose or Separating Teeth: Advanced gum disease can cause the supporting bone to deteriorate, leading to tooth mobility (British Dental Journal, 2020).
Healthy Gums Are Possible
Healing Your Gums for a Healthier Smile & Body
Periodontal therapy involves a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments determined by the severity of the disease.
Common periodontal therapy interventions include:
- Scaling and Root Planing - A thorough cleaning of teeth and roots to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gumline.
- Surgical Interventions - In advanced cases, bone grafting, flap surgery, or tissue regeneration may be required to restore damaged gum and bone tissues.
- Antibiotics: Antibacterial mouth rinses and/or oral antibiotics may be used to control bacterial infections of the gum tissue and reduce inflammation.
- Periodontal Maintenance: Regular maintenance appointments following the initial Scaling and Root Planning treatment.
After Scaling and Root planning it is crucial that you maintian proper ongoing at-home oral hygiene practices. Every night before bed, start with flossing, followed by using a water flosser, then brushing, and using antibacterial mouth rinses (as recommended by your dentist). In the morning, just brush. These steps are essential for maintaining periodontal health.
Through regular periodontal care visits and diligent oral care, Edkin Family Dentistry helps manage gum disease, prevent future complications, and preserve the health of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because periodontal infection develops under your gums, you may experience no symptoms while still being affected by the disease. Regular visits with Edkin will help to determine the presence and severity of gum disease. Symptoms of more advanced periodontal disease may include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed easily
- Persistent bad breath
- Tooth sensitivity to heat/cold
- Spaces between teeth
- Deep pockets around the teeth
- Missing teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Gum recession (longer looking teeth)
Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection that affects the gums and, in severe cases, the jawbone. The primary goal of periodontal therapy is to remove the infection and infection-causing bacteria and to use preventative measures and maintenance to prevent it from returning.
Treatment of periodontal disease can vary with each patient's individual needs. After your initial examination, we will thoroughly explain your different treatment options and work with you to develop an effective treatment plan.
At Edkin Family Dentistry, providing you with a comfortable experience during treatment is our primary concern. Using an extensive array of treatments and techniques, we strive to minimize discomfort when treating patients affected by periodontal disease.
Because periodontal infections can grow in bursts of activity, it is important to begin treatment at the very first signs of disease. A delay in treatment may allow this bacterial infection to eat away at the bone which supports your teeth, leading to tooth and even bone loss and other severe symptoms which require more intensive treatments. If a periodontal infection is left untreated it will continue to grow, cause inflammation and discomfort, and could lead to medical complications elsewhere in the body.