Periodontal Therapy for Gum Disease in Dunwoody, GA
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, poses a significant threat to your overall health just as much as tooth decay and cavities. It happens when germs become trapped in the gums because of plaque and tartar buildup. That is why Dentistry With a Difference offers periodontal therapy in Dunwoody, GA, along with our comprehensive oral health care services.
What is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy refers to various procedures that can help address gum disease, including surgical and non-surgical treatments. Although the best course of action will depend on your oral health condition, Dr. Nordone and Dr. Oh choose the least invasive methods whenever possible. They usually perform non-surgical treatments for mild to moderate cases of gum disease while reserving surgery for severe gum conditions.
Signs of Gum Disease
Periodontal therapy plays a critical role in establishing healthy gums and teeth. At Dentistry With a Difference, we recommend undergoing gum disease treatment if you have the following symptoms:
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Tooth pain when biting
- Noticeable spaces between teeth and gums
Effective Treatment for Gum Health
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice proper oral hygiene. However, if you notice any signs of gum problems, periodontal therapy in Dunwoody, GA, is the best option to alleviate the symptoms and prevent them from worsening. As mentioned, periodontal therapy is comprised of different surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Non-Surgical Procedures
- Scaling and Root Planing – Also called deep cleaning, this involves cleaning the tooth’s root surface (the area below the gum line) of plaque and tartar. The surface of the root will also be smoothed to remove rough surfaces where bacteria can attach.
- Tray Distribution System – Another non-surgical gum treatment involves take home trays, shaped like mouthguards, that are custom-fit to your mouth. The trays dispense medication which will directly penetrate the gum pockets and eliminate the disease-causing germs.
Surgical Treatments
- Gum Graft – This surgery treats receding gums caused by periodontal disease. It replaces the lost tissue to help cover the teeth’s roots and prevent further damage.
- Tooth Extraction – When gum disease becomes severe, the roots of the teeth may be affected, causing decay and deterioration. In such cases, it is best to surgically remove the affected tooth to prevent the risk of spreading the infection. Once the tooth is removed, the gum pocket will be deeply cleaned, and you have the option of getting an implant or other form of dental restoration.
Prevention of Gum Disease
As mentioned before, the best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice proper oral hygiene. Here are some tips that help prevent gum disease and reduce the chance of you needing periodontal therapy to treat periodontitis or gingivitis.
- Brush twice a day or, better yet, after every meal or snack.
- Replace your toothbrush about every three months.
- Use a soft toothbrush or consider using an electric toothbrush, which is more effective at removing plaque and tartar.
- Floss every day. Talk to us about floss options if traditional flossing is too difficult.
- Use a mouth rinse to help reduce plaque between your teeth
- Keep up with your routine professional dental cleanings – usually every 6 months
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
Trusted and Effective Periodontal Care
The team at Dentistry With a Difference is dedicated to helping you prevent and treat periodontal disease through personalized, comprehensive care. Dr. Nordone and Dr. Oh utilize advanced techniques and thorough cleanings to maintain your gum health and address any issues early. We’re here to ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Discover a New Smile Experience at Dentistry With a Difference in Dunwoody, GA – Dunwoody’s trusted choice for preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental care! Here comfort, innovation, and personalized care meet to give you the confident smile you deserve. Contact us today for an appointment and see the difference!
