Periodontal Therapy in Jamaica Plain and Malden, MA
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal Therapy in Jamaica Plain and Malden, MA
Periodontal Therapy
Gum Infection Treatment
Periodontitis means that your gums are infected. The initial symptoms of gum infection may be as mild as puffy, red or bleeding gums. However, if the disease progresses, the infection will cause the gums to pull away from the roots of your teeth. This produces deep pockets of tissue where further bacteria can thrive. In severe cases of gum infection, the jawbone deteriorates and the tooth will lose stability and even fall out. Rest assured that there are effective treatments to restore the health of your gums, even after advanced periodontitis. It is important that you recognize the early warning signs of gum disease as well as attend your routine dental exams so that your condition can be treated using the most successful and conservative therapies.
Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Periodontal disease is often caused by the absence of a proper oral hygiene routine, including routine brushing and flossing and attending regular dental appointments. However, gum disease can also be caused by factors like smoking, certain medications, changes in hormones, and genetics. It’s important to seek treatment for gum disease whether you have just noticed a change in your gums or if you have struggled with periodontitis for many years.
Scaling requires our team to clean below the gumline, which can sound intimidating, especially for patients who have sensitive teeth and gums. Before we begin the deep cleaning, we will use a local anesthetic to completely numb the gums. We can also break up deep cleaning appointments into a few visits and focus on one section of the gums per visit to break up the amount of time in the dental chair and reduce post-appointment gum soreness.
Gingivitis is the only form of gum disease that is 100% reversible, but more severe forms of gum disease are manageable with proper treatment. It’s important to begin treating periodontal disease as quickly as possible, because when left untreated, it can cause serious consequences, like losing one or more teeth. The infection can also spread to the jawbone, and bone graft surgery could be needed. Seeking treatment right away is always the best option.
