Do you need Periodontal Treatment?
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to serious dental issues, even the loss of your teeth. If you find yourself diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will need periodontal treatment. Remember, every patient is different. Your periodontal treatment plan will be determined by your dentist taking into account the severity of your periodontal disease.
Change in Homecare
Whether you are diagnosed with early stage gingivitis or severe periodontal disease, a change in homecare is critical for periodontal treatment to be successful. Your dental hygienist and dentist will explain proper homecare techniques and homecare aids such as electric toothbrushes, water picks, and daily flossing.
Non-surgical Treatment
Often the first stage of periodontal treatment is a deep cleaning or scaling and root planing. In this procedure, your dentist will get you comfortably numb and your dental hygienist will use hand or ultrasonic instruments to remove tarter (or calculus) that has built up under the gumline. Once the tooth and root surfaces are smooth, the periodontal structures have the ability to heal and re-attach higher on the tooth. Your dentist may also recommend placing a localized antibiotic in the pocket to help with healing. After a deep cleaning is performed, excellent homecare and regular periodontal maintenance appointments are required to achieve periodontal treatment success.
Surgical Treatment
If you have advanced periodontal disease, and/or your mouth did not respond adequately to non-surgical periodontal treatment, your dentist may recommend periodontal surgery, or a referral to a periodontal specialist. Periodontal surgeries include laser treatments, flap surgery, soft and hard tissue grafting.
To read more about periodontal disease and treatments click here to read from the American Academy of Periodontology.
Here at Adams and Cheek Dentistry in Raleigh, NC, we offer quality periodontal treatment tailored to each patient’s specific needs. We are here to provide you with the best periodontal treatment available and answer any questions you may have. Please call us at (919)866-1360 to schedule an appointment today. Or click here to request an appointment online.