Periodontal Therapy – Needham, MA
Getting Your Gum Health Back on Track
Did you know that roughly half of the adults in the U.S. have gum disease, and that it is especially common in seniors? This oral health condition might not seem like a big deal at first, but left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences. If you believe your gums are not as healthy as they should be, visit our team for a consultation. We may recommend that you undergo periodontal therapy in Needham.
Why Choose Gillis Dental for Periodontal Therapy?
- In-House Periodontal Specialist
- Friendly & Experienced Team
- Conservative & Comfortable Treatment
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease in Needham, is an infection of the gum tissue. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. It is a mild problem, and it causes no irreversible damage to the gums or underlying bone. However, if it does not receive proper care, it can progress to become periodontitis. Periodontitis causes permanent damage to the gums and jawbone. It is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Even more concerning is the fact that gum disease may raise the risk of a number of systemic health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, preterm birth, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The symptoms of gum disease can be subtle, especially when it is still in its initial stages. You might have it if you experience any of the following:
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth
- Noticeable redness or swelling in the gum tissue
- Tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth (due to exposed tooth roots)
- Difficulty chewing
Your dental team checks for signs of gum disease during every routine exam. If you keep up with preventive care, you will probably be able to catch the condition before it becomes severe — and before it poses a real threat of tooth loss or other serious consequences.
Treatment Options
In some cases, it is possible to reverse gingivitis with a few changes to your at-home oral care routine. A particular type of toothpaste, as well as adjustments to your brushing and flossing technique, might be all that is necessary to get your gum health back on track. However, it is also possible that you will need specialized treatment.
There are a number of different methods that can be used to address gum disease. Some of the most common forms of periodontal therapy include:
- Scaling and root planing. This is essentially a deep cleaning of the mouth. We remove bacteria both above and below the gumline. We also smooth out the roots of teeth so it is more difficult for bacteria to cling to them. After scaling and root planing, your gums should be able to heal and firmly reattach to your teeth.
- Antibiotic therapy. Antibiotic therapy may be used along with scaling and root planing to kill harmful oral bacteria.
Are you concerned about periodontal disease? Contact our team today to learn more about how we may be able to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.