PERIODONTAL THERAPY
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a serious condition that compromises your oral health. Periodontitis can lead to the loss of teeth. It has also been linked to other serious health issues, so early treatment with general dentistry is vital to your overall health.
Periodontitis begins with the buildup of plaque, a clear sticky substance that soon hardens into tartar on the teeth. These deposits begin to push the gums away from the teeth. As they do so, small pockets from where food and bacteria can collect. These areas are very difficult to clean. Gums get swollen and may begin to bleed. As the body’s natural defense system kicks in to fight the bacteria, toxins are formed that irritate the gums even more and infection develops.
Periodontal therapy is the only way to keep it from getting worse and causing tooth loss. When Dr. Lane examines your teeth and gums, he will make a determination regarding the best way to treat the disease. Treatment options will depend on the severity of the problem.
When the gums are infected, the natural response of the body is to fight back. Because toxins are produced as a result, the infection can become worse. Depending on the degree of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. A thorough cleaning of the teeth is required and surgical repair of the gums may or may not be part of the treatment process. Home care will be important, as well as keeping regular dental appointments. You may receive a special mouthwash or toothpaste to help with the healing process.
Special instruments are used to clean away the plaque and tartar buildup which caused the disease. Hand scaling instruments or ultrasonic scalers are used to remove the buildup. When the tartar has been removed, the roots of the teeth are smoothed with planing instruments. Smoothing the roots will provide a better surface for the gums to reattach.
Our dentist may also provide you with additional instructions and suggestions to aid the healing process and prevent a reoccurrence of the disease. Contact Lane Family Dental today to schedule an appointment for yourself or a member of your family.
PRACTICE AREAS
Office Hours
Monday
8:00AM – 5:00PM
TUESDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
WEDNESDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
THURSDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
FRIDAY
8:00AM – 5:00PM
SATURDAY
CLOSED
SUNDAY
CLOSED