Gum Disease Therapy

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and tissues supporting the teeth. It is a relatively common condition, affecting millions of people in the United States each year. There are three stages of gum disease – gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. When left untreated, gum disease can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. 

Gum disease can be prevented by properly brushing and flossing the teeth; however, some patients are at an increased risk for developing the condition due to medications or genetic factors.

In our office, we offer two methods for managing gum disease –  scaling and root planing and arestin application. While gum disease can not be cured once it reaches its advanced stages, it can be kept under control with the help of our dental professionals. 

Scaling & root planing is a dental procedure that is used to improve the health of your oral tissues once gum disease has reached moderate stages. As plaque and tartar accumulate along the gum line, the gum tissue becomes inflamed and pulls away from the tooth. As a result, the tooth becomes less supported, and pockets form beneath the gum line for more plaque and bacteria to collect.

  • Scaling is a process in which our team uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, above and below the gum line. 
  • Root planing is a process in which we smooth the surfaces of your tooth roots to help prevent bacteria from gathering in the area again. 

By combining scaling and root planing, we can help improve your oral health and protect your smile.

Arestin is an antibiotic that is applied directly to the gums to help treat gum disease and prevent the worsening of the condition. Arestin helps kill the bacteria that cause gum disease, and it also helps reduce inflammation. The antibiotic is available by prescription only, and we will likely recommend it if you are experiencing the early symptoms of gum disease or have just completed a scaling and root planing procedure. Arestin is directly placed into the gum pockets and immediately begins killing disease-causing bacteria.

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