If you’ve noticed issues with your gums, such as bleeding, inflammation/tenderness, or recession, you could be experiencing the early stages of periodontal disease. It’s important to receive treatment promptly from one of our locations of A Smile 4 U in Georgia or Mississippi to restore the health of your gums. Failing to address the issue could potentially lead to tooth loss. There are a few treatments in periodontal therapy that can set you back on track to oral health.
Scaling and root planing
Brushing and flossing are important for removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the gum line. When these habits are not kept, it can build up, causing cavities and/or gum disease. Dental cleanings are also helpful for removing plaque and tartar, but when the toxins released by these substances have started the early stages of gum disease, a procedure called a scaling and root planing will become necessary. Unlike a routine dental cleaning that removes plaque only up to the gum line, a scaling removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line as well. Once the periodontal pockets have been cleaned out, the tooth roots will be smoothed out (planed). This will make it more difficult for plaque to collect on those surfaces again.
Because it’s considerably more complex than a routine cleaning, a scaling and planing treatment will usually be performed in stages over multiple appointments.
Soft tissue laser therapy
Using a laser allows for a more efficient deep cleaning procedure. Compared to using traditional tools, laser therapy results in less bleeding (because the laser cauterizes tissue upon contact) and less discomfort. This eliminates the need for sutures at the end of treatment.
Soft tissue laser therapy is also useful for other gum treatments, such as gum recontouring and crown lengthening. The laser is incredibly accurate, so no more gum tissue is removed than necessary. This will result in little if any tooth sensitivity and lower treatment times overall.
Antibiotic therapy
This is usually used in conjunction with another type of periodontal treatment, namely a scaling and root planing or soft tissue laser therapy. It more effectively gets rid of harmful bacteria and takes care of the source of the infection.
A Smile 4 U is available in several locations across Mississippi and Georgia to help you maintain or recover periodontal health.
