Periodontal disease, which is commonly known as gum disease, is a serious oral health condition that affects nearly half the adults in the U.S. When bacteria invade the gum tissue, the infection may present mild symptoms at first. As it progresses, however, gum disease can lead to devastating consequences, including tooth loss and life-threatening systemic illness. The good news is that modern dentistry offers a number of effective ways to fight gum disease. At New Haven Dental Group in Hamden, we are proud to offer multiple types of periodontal therapy.
“Periodontal therapy” is not a specific dental procedure. Rather, it is a term used to apply to any treatment that helps to fight gum disease. The goal of such treatments is to rid the mouth of the bacteria below the gum line that is causing the infection. In some cases, periodontal therapy is relatively simple and takes just one appointment. In more severe cases, multiple appointments are necessary to achieve the desired results.
We offer three types of periodontal therapy. When you visit us for your periodontal checkup, we might recommend one of the below treatments, or a combination of them.
A soft tissue laser is a highly concentrated beam of light that we can use to trim away diseased gum tissue. Once the infected tissue is gone, the remaining healthy portion of the gums will have the opportunity to firmly reattach to the teeth. The laser is quite gentle, and it cauterizes as it moves, which minimizes bleeding and reduces the risk of post-treatment complications. In many cases, patients do not even need local anesthetic during soft tissue laser therapy.
We might recommend antibiotic therapy, possible in the form of a powder we place into the gums or pills that you swallow. The medication will empower your body to fight off harmful bacteria that is lingering within the gum tissue. We seldom prescribe antibiotic therapy on its own; it is usually used after soft tissue laser therapy or scaling and root planing.
Essentially, scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning of the mouth. We get rid of plaque and bacteria both above and below the gum line. Then, we smooth out the teeth’s roots so it is more difficult for bacteria to stick to them.
Scaling and root planing is a first-line gum disease treatment that amounts to a deep cleaning of the mouth. We get rid of plaque and bacteria both above and below the gumline. Then, we smooth out the roots of the teeth so it is more difficult for bacteria to stick to them. This process can stop the progression of gum disease and may help to lower the risk of future infections.
In some cases, early gum disease can be reversed via thorough at-home oral hygiene. In other cases, though, professional care is necessary. You should see us for a gum evaluation if:
After we examine your mouth, we will let you know whether scaling and root planing or another treatment is the best way to get your oral health back on track.
Scaling and root planing may take one or more appointments; depending on the extent of your gum infection, we may treat different areas of your mouth during separate visits.
During scaling, we use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. We clean the area above the gumline and the pockets between your teeth and gums. During root planing, we smooth out the roots of the teeth. This prevents bacteria from sticking to them and can help your gums to heal.
Scaling and root planing can be an intensive treatment, so your gums and teeth might be sore for a few days after your treatment. To help your body recover, you should:
The price of your periodontal therapy will depend on the severity of your gum disease. In the mildest cases, you might not need any treatment; you may just need some coaching on how to adjust your oral hygiene habits. In more severe cases, an extensive procedure may be necessary. We will be sure to give you a frank estimate for the cost of any procedure we recommend. We will also work with you to help you figure out how insurance and financing may allow your treatment to fit comfortably into your budget.
Would like help in your fight against gum disease? Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Gum disease should receive a diagnosis from a qualified dental professional. However, it is very likely you have it if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
All cases of gum disease should be evaluated by a qualified dentist. However, in some cases, they might simply coach you on how you can adjust your at-home oral hygiene routine. If your gum disease is still in its early stages, changing the way you brush and floss might be able to eliminate the infection and get your oral health back on track.
Your hygienist or dentist may recommend that you do things like:
Without treatment, gum disease is likely to worsen over time. It can go from gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) to periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S.
Sadly, untreated gum disease can also put your systemic health at risk. It is associated with an increased chance of problems like heart attack, high blood pressure, and even dementia. It can also make it more challenging to keep diabetes under control.
Anyone can develop gum disease. However, you might be at an increased risk if:
Our team and your primary care practitioner may be able to help you manage some of these risk factors so you can maintain healthy gums throughout your life.
We always favor conservative gum disease treatment for Hamden patients whenever circumstances allow. For example, we may prescribe antibiotics or perform a deep cleaning of the mouth (scaling and root planing). In some cases, though, surgical intervention is necessary. We may use a soft tissue laser to remove diseased portions of your gums so the healthy tissue can thrive.
In severe instances of gum disease, additional treatments may also be necessary. For example, some patients need tooth extractions or tissue grafts.
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