Periodontal Therapy

White Palm Dental - Melbourne, Florida

Periodontal Therapy

White Palm Dental
Melbourne, Florida

Treatments

Did you know that periodontal (mouth gum and bone) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Not only is the progressive condition an oral health concern, it has been linked to serious health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even pregnancy complications. At White Palm Dental, we are dedicated to the treatment and management of periodontal disease to help our valued patients enjoy long-term oral health.

Signs you have periodontal disease include:

Red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums
Pain or sensitivity when chewing
Persistent bad breath
Changes in the position of teeth
Loose teeth or missing teeth

Periodontal therapy and maintenance can help prevent the progression of periodontal disease, helping you maintain your natural teeth and healthy smile.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It develops due to the chronic buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, which irritates the gums and triggers the body’s immune response, leading to inflammation and infection. Chronic inflammation causes the bone around the teeth to resorb, leading to loss of teeth if left untreated. Risk factors include smoking, genetics, natural aging, diabetes, and hormonal changes, such as those that happen during pregnancy.

In the early stages of gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, no damage occurs to the bone, and the disease is completely reversible. However, once a patient has periodontal disease and the bone has resorbed, we can only remove the disease and prevent it from returning, but we cannot restore the bone to its original levels. This is why it is important to keep up with twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings so that we can prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease from developing in your mouth.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Gingivitis can usually be reversed through one or more dental cleanings, in conjunction with practicing meticulous oral hygiene at home.

Periodontal disease is not completely reversible and treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

Scaling and Root Planing
The first line of treatment is typically a two-step process known as scaling and root planing. It involves removing plaque and tartar buildup at and below the gumline and smoothing the tooth root surfaces. Scaling and root planing helps promote healing and gum tissue reattachment, preventing the disease from progressing.
Adjunctive Treatment
In some cases, we may recommend ARESTIN, an antibiotic applied directly into the infected periodontal pockets to help fight the infection right at its source. For more advanced cases, surgical intervention may also be recommended to correct bony defects or improve the architecture of the area and create a better environment to manage periodontal disease.
Periodontal Maintenance
The greatest risk factor for periodontal disease to return is a history of previous periodontal disease. For this reason, it is necessary to receive regularly scheduled periodontal maintenance therapy following the initial scaling and root planing. Periodontal maintenance therapy involves a thorough cleaning every 3-4 months to remove inflammation in the gums and ensure the root surfaces are clean. It is crucial for a licensed hygienist or dentist to perform a periodontal maintenance regularly to ensure periodontal disease doesn’t return.

Once periodontal disease advances past its early stages, it can no longer be fully reversed. However, we can manage it and prevent it from progressing, mitigating its devastating effects.

What Are the Benefits of Periodontal Therapy and Management?

Prevent the Progression of Periodontal Disease: Treating and managing periodontal disease can slow or even prevent its progression.
Preserve Your Natural Teeth: Periodontal therapy and maintenance can help lower the risk of tooth loss resulting from periodontal disease.
Enhance Your Health: Maintaining your gum health can lower the risk of health problems like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more.