Periodontal Therapy
Treatment for gum disease at every stage, from early gingivitis to more advanced infection.
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a serious and often chronic infection of the gum tissue and bone that surround, support, and anchor the teeth. It begins when bacteria in plaque gets out of control and causes inflammation of the gum tissue.
There are three stages of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis is the earliest stage. Symptoms include red, swollen, or puffy gums that may bleed easily when eating hard foods or brushing. According to studies, at least 80% of adults have some form of periodontal disease, and the majority are unaware.
Periodontitis goes deeper, invading the bone that anchors the teeth. Gums may begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria collect. Bone below the gum line begins to erode. At this stage, our hygienist performs non-surgical in-office treatment including scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning of the root surfaces below the gums, followed by local delivery of antimicrobial medication placed directly into the affected pockets. Patients are typically recommended for periodontal maintenance visits every three months.
Advanced periodontitis is the final stage, at which point surgical intervention is usually recommended. Treatment may include removing loose teeth or addressing abscesses that have formed.
