Gum Disease Treatment
Gum Disease is often undetected
The most under-diagnosed dental disease is periodontal or gum disease. It is a silent, incipient and often dangerous dental condition. Patients often tell me that they have this disease ‘in their family’. Although genetics does play a role in periodontal disease, it is often the lack of good dental follow up that lands folks in trouble. Not surprisingly, as I have mentioned, this form of dental disease is silent and subtle. It can go on for years without dramatic clues as to what is going on.
Treating Mild Gum Disease
When gum disease is classified as ‘mild’, we perform a modified cleaning which may require some form of local or topical anesthesia.
Treating Moderate Gum Disease
When it is classified as ‘moderate’ or ‘advanced’, we will treat it with a procedure called ‘Scaling’. This is where we anesthetize the areas to be treated and the professional hygienist will delicately remove the hard calculus and the film of bacteria that is on the teeth and roots. She will use hand instruments as well as an ultrasonic device with sterile water irrigation. Occasionally and when it is indicated for the benefit of the patient, we may place some medicament or antibiotic under the gum to support the healing and promote cell regeneration. We will recommend some specific store-bought devices to aid in the maintenance of your now very clean gums.
Treating Advanced Gum Disease
The protocols for treating gum disease are set by the American Academy of Periodontology. In cases of advanced gum disease, we may encourage you to seek the opinion of a specialist.