Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Clenching and grinding teeth
• Medication
• Poor nutrition

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Deep Cleaning/Scaling & Root Planing

The first stage of treatment for periodontal disease is usually a deep cleaning of the teeth, particularly around the gumline, to remove plaque and tartar. It often includes scaling and root planing to remove tartar below the gumline and encourage reattachment of gum tissue to tooth roots.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing, specialized type of dental cleaning to manage periodontal disease and maintain healthy teeth and gums that have active periodontal disease. Most individuals with advanced gum disease require periodontal maintenance every 3 to 4 months.

Gum Disease Laser Therapy

Laser periodontal therapy uses a specially designed laser to remove bacteria and infected gum tissue from periodontal pockets at the base of affected teeth. It is an alternative to conventional surgical intervention that reduces bleeding, minimizes pain, and encourages faster healing.

Arestin®

This targeted antibiotic kills the bacteria that causes periodontal infection and is often used in conjunction with other gum disease treatments. It is placed directly into the dental pockets in the gums, typically after scaling and root planing. Arestin is a time-released powder that works quickly and continues to fight infection for several weeks.

Preventing Gum Disease

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.