Periodontal Therapy - Marietta, GA
Protect Your Gums & More
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a very common bacterial infection that affects the gums, roots of the teeth, and the bone that supports them. It’s actually the most common dental problem in the entire world, and it’s even been connected to an increased risk for diabetes, heart problems, and Alzheimer’s. At Biologic Dentistry, we will screen your gums whenever you come to see us, and if we spot a problem, we’ll be able to take care of it using periodontal therapy. If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed often, be sure to contact us today so we can keep your smile safe.
What Is Gum Disease?
About half of adults over thirty have some form of gum disease, and more than 70% of adults age 65 or older have periodontitis. The condition is more common in men, smokers, those living below the poverty level, and those with less than a high school education. Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, but health conditions like pregnancy and diabetes can increase a person’s risk for it.
Gum disease starts as mild inflammation called gingivitis, and it can usually be reversed with improved hygiene habits at this stage. However, untreated gingivitis will eventually develop into periodontitis, a destructive infection that causes permanent damage. Periodontitis must be addressed with professional restorative treatments to prevent serious consequences like tooth loss, jawbone erosion, and dangerous secondary infections.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gingivitis can show itself through symptoms like:
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Redness or swelling of the gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing sessions
- Tenderness of the gums
- Mild gum recession
Periodontitis, on the other hand, can show itself through more severe symptoms like:
- Pain during chewing
- Looseness of permanent teeth
- Dental sensitivity caused by extensive gum recession
- Changes in bite alignment or the fit of restorations
- Tooth loss
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
The first step to determining the best way to address your gum disease is to schedule a consultation at our office in Acworth. Based on our dentist’s findings, we may recommend:
Scaling & Root Planing
When caught early, the spread of gum disease can usually be halted using a special cleaning called scaling and root planing. For this, an ultrasonic cleaner will be used to remove plaque and bacteria from around the gum line (scaling), and then the roots of the teeth will be gently smoothed out (root planing). This will make plaque less likely to gather on them in the future, drastically lowering a person’s chances of reinfection.
Antibiotic Treatment
After an initial cleaning, our dentists may choose to use antibiotics to further fight the infection. This can come in the form of either a topical antibiotic that is applied directly to the gums or a pill. Either way, this will help kill the bacteria hidden below the gum line.
Following any treatment for gum disease, a patient will be advised to visit us more often for regular dental cleanings in order to prevent the infection from coming back.