Periodontitis is a serious and progressive gum disease that can cause significant damage to the health of your teeth and gums if left untreated. However, it’s also highly treatable. The best treatment for periodontitis will depend on your unique situation, but there are several options available that can help keep your mouth healthy and pain-free. At Columbia Smiles Family Dentistry, we specialize in providing the most effective treatments for periodontitis in a caring and compassionate environment.
Reach out to our team at 410.690.4855 or connect with us online to learn more about our periodontal treatment options.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an infection caused by bacteria in the mouth that results in inflammation of the gums and other structures that surround and support the teeth. This infection can lead to:
- Weakened gum tissue
- Receding gums
- Pockets between the teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Tooth loss if left untreated
Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults over 35 years old. If you’ve been diagnosed with early-stage gum disease, treating it quickly can help prevent future issues.
The Best Treatment for Periodontitis
The best course of treatment for periodontitis depends on its severity. Here are some potential treatments your dentist may recommend:
Scaling and Root Planing
This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and bacteria from below the gum line while smoothing rough spots on the roots of your teeth where bacteria can hide.
Antibiotic Therapy
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics in pill or gel form to reduce inflammation and kill off harmful bacteria causing your periodontal disease.
Gum Graft Surgery
In cases where there has been extensive damage to your gum tissue due to periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend gum graft surgery to rebuild lost tissue and protect exposed roots from further damage.
Dental Crown Lengthening
If you have severely infected or damaged gums due to periodontitis, your dentist may recommend crown lengthening surgery so that more healthy tissue can be exposed for scaling or grafting procedures.
What to Expect When Receiving Treatment for Periodontitis
The exact course of treatment you receive will depend on how severe your case of periodontal disease is, but generally speaking, most patients will require a series of deep cleanings with their dental hygienist. These cleanings will be followed by regular visits with their dentist for checkups and maintenance appointments depending on individual needs. During these visits, you should expect an exam with X-rays being taken as needed along with thorough cleaning sessions. These cleaning sessions could include scaling, root planing, or both.
You will also likely receive additional instructions from your dentist about proper homecare techniques like brushing twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily. Your doctor may also recommend additional products such as special mouthwashes or antibacterial rinses. These products help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which can help prevent periodontal disease from returning.
It’s important to follow all instructions given by your dentist carefully each visit in order to ensure successful outcomes.
Schedule an Appointment with Columbia Smiles Family Dentistry Today
Left untreated, periodontitis can have serious consequences for your teeth and gums. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms or signs of periodontal disease. The best treatment for periodontal disease will depend on your individual case, but with the help of our team at Columbia Smiles, you can rest assured that we’ll be able to find the treatment that’s right for you.
Dr. Michael Hsu has years of experience in treating periodontal disease and can provide you with the best care available. Don’t let gum disease become a significant problem, call 410.690.4855 or reach out to us online.
