Periodontal Treatment
We know that healthy gums are the key to a healthy mouth and body. Without treatment, periodontal disease (gum disease) can develop quickly and become a serious threat to your oral health. But prompt treatment and regular monitoring allow us to control gum disease and protect your oral health.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection that attacks the gums and bone that support your teeth. When gum disease develops, it can cause your teeth to loosen and can eventually lead to tooth and bone loss. In fact, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.
Treating gum disease quickly is important, especially in view of recent studies that indicate a connection between the health of your mouth and your overall wellness. These studies show that chronic diseases and inflammation of tissue in the mouth can contribute to serious complications like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even premature and low birth-weight babies
Our approach to periodontal care is to work with you to meet your specific needs and dental goals. Our skilled hygienists will coordinate a personalized treatment plan designed to protect and maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Your periodontal condition will be thoroughly examined and monitored so that we can develop a plan that will be most effective in helping to maintain the health of your gums.
How Do You Treat Gum Disease?
The earliest stage of periodontal disease is referred to as gingivitis and, in most cases, it can be treated with a routine dental cleaning and improved home care. If we find that gum disease has advanced to the next stage, periodontitis, we will recommend a deep cleaning to eliminate the bacteria and infected tissue.
Depending on the extent of infection, we may also prescribe antibiotics and schedule a follow-up deep cleaning. In severe cases, we will refer you to a periodontist for treatment that will prevent tooth loss.
A deep cleaning by our hygienist includes the removal of plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria above and below the gum line. During this process, the surface of the tooth is smoothed so affected gum tissue can heal and naturally reattach to the tooth.
Depending on the extent of infection present, it may be necessary to prescribe treatment with Arestin. This effective antibiotic powder is placed inside infected periodontal pockets right after your deep cleaning procedure. The powder contains tiny, bead-like particles filled with an antibiotic that releases the drug into the periodontal pocket over time, killing bacteria.
Please Contact Us for an Appointment
Dr. Holder, Dr. Kirkpatrick, and our team strive to provide you with the most effective, up-to-date dental health care available. We go out of our way to make you feel like part of the family and make sure that you feel welcome every time you visit our office.
Quality dental care should not be complicated, and we offer convenient office hours to accommodate your schedule. We respect that you are busy, and we book your appointments efficiently so you don’t have to spend valuable time waiting for treatment.
Please call our Baytown dental office to arrange your next exam and cleaning. Together we’ll work toward your goal of excellent oral health.
