Periodontal Therapy – Needham, MA
Getting Your Gum Health Back on Track
Did you know that roughly half of the adults in the U.S. have gum disease, and that it is especially common in seniors? This oral health condition might not seem like a big deal at first, but left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences. If you believe your gums are not as healthy as they should be, visit our team for a consultation. We may recommend that you undergo periodontal therapy in Needham.
Why Choose Gillis Dental for Periodontal Therapy?
- In-House Periodontal Specialist
- Friendly & Experienced Team
- Conservative & Comfortable Treatment
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease in Needham, is an infection of the gum tissue. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. It is a mild problem, and it causes no irreversible damage to the gums or underlying bone. However, if it does not receive proper care, it can progress to become periodontitis. Periodontitis causes permanent damage to the gums and jawbone. It is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Even more concerning is the fact that gum disease may raise the risk of a number of systemic health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, preterm birth, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The symptoms of gum disease can be subtle, especially when it is still in its initial stages. You might have it if you experience any of the following:
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth
- Noticeable redness or swelling in the gum tissue
- Tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth (due to exposed tooth roots)
- Difficulty chewing
Your dental team checks for signs of gum disease during every routine exam. If you keep up with preventive care, you will probably be able to catch the condition before it becomes severe — and before it poses a real threat of tooth loss or other serious consequences.
Treatment Options
In some cases, it is possible to reverse gingivitis with a few changes to your at-home oral care routine. A particular type of toothpaste, as well as adjustments to your brushing and flossing technique, might be all that is necessary to get your gum health back on track. However, it is also possible that you will need specialized treatment.
There are a number of different methods that can be used to address gum disease. Some of the most common forms of periodontal therapy include:
- Scaling and root planing. This is essentially a deep cleaning of the mouth. We remove bacteria both above and below the gumline. We also smooth out the roots of teeth so it is more difficult for bacteria to cling to them. After scaling and root planing, your gums should be able to heal and firmly reattach to your teeth.
- Antibiotic therapy. Antibiotic therapy may be used along with scaling and root planing to kill harmful oral bacteria.
Are you concerned about periodontal disease? Contact our team today to learn more about how we may be able to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is one of the most commonly used treatments for gum disease. It essentially amounts to a deep cleaning of your mouth, where we strive to get rid of harmful bacteria both above and below the gumline. The goal is to get rid of active infections and open the way for your smile to heal.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Some cases of mild gum disease can be addressed via at-home oral hygiene, but if your gingivitis or periodontitis is more advanced, we might recommend scaling and root planing. Here are some signs that you should visit us for an evaluation:
- Your gums are red, swollen, or puffy.
- Your gums bleed easily when you brush and floss.
- You struggle with chronic bad breath.
- Pockets have started to form between your tooth roots and gums.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-part gum disease treatment for patients in Needham.
During scaling, we use special instruments to remove plaque accumulations around the gumline, including in any pockets that have formed around your teeth. During root planing, we smooth out the roots of the teeth so bacteria cannot cling to them as easily.
Depending on its extent, scaling and root planing may require multiple visits to our office. Often, we treat one quadrant of the mouth at a time.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is an intensive process, so you can expect a recovery period of a few weeks. You can minimize discomfort and promote healing during that time by applying these tips:
- Carefully rinse your mouth with warm salt water after each meal.
- Be very gentle when you brush and floss.
- Consume soft foods that are not hot, spicy, or highly acidic.
- Get plenty of rest. Listen to your body, and avoid intense physical activity until you feel ready.
- Call our team if you have any questions or concerns.
Gum Disease FAQs
What Can I Do to Lower My Risk of Gum Disease?
There are several risk factors for gum disease. Some of them, such as age and genetics, are beyond your control. However, there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice each day with a fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush gently along the gumline, including on the back side of your teeth.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. If flossing is difficult, you can use a water flosser instead.
- Schedule a dental checkup and cleaning every six months.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Try to minimize sugary and starchy foods.
- Avoid tobacco products, since they are major contributors to gum disease.
- Monitor your oral health for signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, or bleeding. If you notice any cause for concern, call your dentist right away.
Can Gum Disease Be Cured Permanently?
When it is caught in its early stage (called gingivitis), gum disease may be reversed through professional treatment and improved oral hygiene. As long as you keep up with good oral care habits, it might not ever return.
However, advanced periodontitis is a different story. It causes irreversible damage to the oral tissues, which might only be reparable with advanced treatments like tissue grafts and tooth replacement.
The good news is that even advanced gum disease can be managed. With the right treatments, the harmful bacteria can be defeated, and the gum disease can go into remission. That means it will not cause any further harm as long as you maintain the right precautions.