Periodontal Therapy – Canton, MI
Fight Gum Disease with Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal disease or gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. There are two stages of periodontal disease. The first stage is known as gingivitis. In this stage, the gums are red, swollen and may bleed when you brush your teeth. Since there is typically no pain at this stage, patients rarely seek treatment. In the more advanced stage, known as periodontitis, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets where bacteria can grow and cause damage to the bone that surrounds the teeth. Teeth may also loosen and fall out at this stage.
Why Choose Robison Dental Group for Periodontal Therapy?
- Gum screenings at every appointment
- Highly-skilled hygiene team
- Deep cleanings eliminate infection at the source
Causes of Gum Disease
Whenever we eat or drink there is residue left on our teeth. If not removed by brushing and flossing, the residue will turn into plaque. This plaque can spread below the gums and damage the bone that supports the teeth. The plaque hardens over time into a substance called tartar. The bacteria in plaque can generate toxins that irritate the gum tissues and cause them to break down. This is the beginning of gum disease. Risk factors for gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Use of tobacco products
- Family history of gum disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes, AIDS or leukemia
- High stress levels
- Poor diet/malnutrition
Symptoms of Gum Disease
You may already have gum disease if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Gingivitis
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding gums
Periodontitis
- Gums that pull away or shrink from the teeth
- Halitosis
- Pus emitting from the gum line
- Bite misalignment
- Loose teeth
Gum Disease Treatment
Depending on the advancement of the infection, you have several options for treating gum disease. In the earliest stages, gum disease can be reversed by brushing and flossing your teeth daily and getting regular dental cleanings.
Scaling & Root Planing
If the infection is mild to moderate, you may need to get a deep dental cleaning, which is otherwise known as scaling and root planing. This will remove plaque and tartar buildup from both above and below the gumline. It also involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth to make it more difficult for bacteria to cling to them.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Some instances of gum disease can be reversed via at-home oral hygiene. In other cases, scaling and root planing is necessary. You might need this treatment if:
- Your gums bleed easily when you brush and floss.
- You struggle with chronic bad breath.
- You have noticed early signs of gum recession.
- Your gums are red and swollen.
During your appointment, we can help you determine for sure whether you require scaling and root planing.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing involves two main stages of treatment, which may take place across one or more appointments (depending on the extent of your infection).
- During scaling, we use a special instrument to remove plaque and bacteria buildup from the teeth, focusing on the areas below and above the gumline.
- During root planing, we smooth out the roots of the teeth. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to stick to them and allows the gums to firmly reattach to the teeth.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
It can take a few weeks to fully recover from scaling and root planing. Here are some tips that may help you through the healing process:
- Regularly rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Eat cool and soft foods — spicy, hot, and hard items could irritate your gums.
- Keep up with a thorough oral hygiene routine, but be careful around your treated tissues.
- Avoid intense physical activity for the first few days of your recovery.
Pocket/Flap Surgery
For the most severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the damage from periodontitis. Pocket or flap surgery is recommended when your gums have almost pulled completely away from your teeth, forming pockets that are too deep to be kept clean. The gum tissue is folded back to remove any bacteria before securing the tissue for a snug fit around your teeth. If you have pocket reduction surgery, you might also need tissue or bone grafts to encourage the regeneration of gum tissue and bone that has been destroyed by periodontitis.
Antibiotic Therapy
Our team may also choose to apply a topical antibiotic to the gums so we can eliminate any bacteria hidden deep within periodontal pockets. On the gums, this medicine will quickly dry, and then it will dissolve over the next few days, enabling it to reach and kill any leftover bacteria. Afterward, we’ll recommend that a patient receive regular dental cleanings every three to four months to ensure that the infection doesn’t come back.
Don’t Wait
It’s vitally important to have gum disease diagnosed and treated early to avoid tooth loss and surgery. If you have gum disease symptoms, call today to make an appointment with us to start your treatment.
If you believe you might be suffering from gum disease, please call 734-453-4530 for an appointment.