The Steps of Treating Periodontal Disease

If you are experiencing receding gums, jaw pain, or loose teeth, you could be one of the many Americans living with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Beware that by the time symptoms are showing, your gum disease is probably pretty far along, so be sure to get into our Eustis periodontist office as soon as you can!

 

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that damages the bone, soft tissue, and gums supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and even missing teeth. Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, one or maybe all three of these treatments might be used:

 

 

Non-surgical scaling and root planing is the first treatment and is often referred to as a "deep cleaning". This treatment entails numbing specific areas with deep pockets between the tooth and gum and cleaning out bacteria from the root surfaces of the teeth where bone loss has occurred. People with mild to moderate forms of periodontal disease will see a reduction of their pocket depths and will not require Phase II, periodontal surgery. It will be recommended that periodontal maintenance is completed on a regular basis.

 

 

The next treatment is provided to those with more severe forms of periodontal disease and those that do not respond to non-surgical treatments.

 

Periodontal surgery entails numbing the affected area and surgically altering the gums and the bone to eliminate the pocketing. This provides an environment that can be efficiently cleaned and maintained over time.

 

 

Periodontal maintenance is planned to keep close watch on the areas previously treated and ensure that the condition does not worsen again. This procedure is very similar to a traditional dental cleaning; however, will be performed by a hygienist that is extensively trained in working on periodontal patients.

 

Proper hygiene practices will be implemented to prevent reactivation of the disease. The majority of periodontal patients will require periodontal maintenance every 3 months for the rest of their lives.

 

 

Your general dentist is required by the Florida Statutes to check you for periodontal disease, but if you are concerned, ask them to check you! Simply, this treatment is provided to save your teeth and is in everyone's best interest. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Richardson, your Eustis periodontist, call 352-589-1973 or click here.