Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal Services in San Antonio, Texas
You may need treatment for gum disease if your gums are red or bright pink and puffy. If they bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, you could have gingivitis or periodontal disease. General dental care, along with good oral hygiene at home, is the most effective defense against gum disease.
Regular dental checkups are the best way of monitoring the health of your gums. However, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, have your gums checked for periodontal disease. At Huebner Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer periodontal services to help you maintain optimal oral health.
Periodontal therapy is indicated when symptoms of gum disease are present. The type of therapy used depends on how advanced the gum disease is. Tartar buildup around teeth pushes the gums out and away from the teeth causing pockets to form where food debris and bacteria build up continuing the cycle. Gums become infected swelling up, turning red or bright pink and will sometimes bleed especially during brushing or flossing of teeth.
Periodontal disease has been linked with other major health concerns such as heart disease, stroke, premature birth and low birth weight. It has also been linked to type 2 diabetes. Diagnosis of the disease and subsequent treatment will lower your risk of these health issues if you follow through with the prescribed treatment plan.
Gum Infection Treatment
A deep cleaning of the teeth is the first step in the treatment of periodontal disease. Once the teeth are well cleaned and all the plaque and tartar are removed, the next steps can be taken. Depending on the scope of your condition, you may be prescribed a special toothpaste and/or mouthwash to use. In some cases where severe infection is detected, you may be given an antibiotic. Your dentist will discuss with you in detail the treatment plan for your particular case.
Scaling and Root Planing
The hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing all plaque and tartar by using special tools designed for this treatment. First scaling instruments will be used to remove the tartar above and below the gum line from each tooth. When that is completed, the roots of the teeth are smoothed with planning instruments. The smooth tooth surface allows the gums to reattach. The more serious cases of periodontal disease may include removing infected gum tissue and placing a healing substrate over the treated areas. Your dentist will explain all the steps related to your treatment.
In the early stages, gum disease is reversible. As it progresses, it takes a toll on your oral health and overall well-being.
If you suspect you have gum disease, contact Huebner Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics for an appointment. Your condition will be diagnosed and a plan of treatment will be recommended for you.
