Gum disease affects millions of people in the United States. In fact, a study by the Centers for Disease Control shows over 64.7 million adults currently experience the symptoms of the disease. In order to manage the disease and allow the gums to heal we can offer periodontal therapy. Do you have questions about periodontal therapy?

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Therapy

Question: What causes gum disease?

Answer: The disease starts when the gums become inflamed, subsequently pulling away fro the teeth. Soon pockets form at the gum line, which bacteria invade. The factors behind the inflammation may include plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene, age, family history, hormonal fluctuations, medications, or even certain illnesses.

Question: Do I need treatment?

Answer: Patients exhibiting the warning signs of periodontal disease need to seek treatment as soon as possible. Common symptoms include bleeding when brushing or flossing, sore gums, or redness in the gingival tissue. Other symptoms include bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. We advise patients to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid tooth loss and other consequences of untreated gum disease.

Question: Are there non-surgical treatment options?

Answer: Yes. We may recommend certain antibiotics to fight the disease or even a deep cleaning. Also known as a scaling and root planing, this treatment allows a dentist or hygienist to remove plaque from the teeth and the surface of the exposed roots. Doing so allows healthy gum tissue to once again adhere to the teeth.

Question: How do I prevent further occurrences?

Answer: First, you should have your teeth cleaned by a dentist once every six months. A professional cleaning is the only way to completely remove plaque. We also urge patients to brush and floss their teeth daily to reduce the severity of plaque buildup and gum inflammation.