4 Periodontal Treatments That Can Save Your Gums and Smile

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems, affecting nearly 42% of American adults 30 and older. Although the condition rarely shows symptoms at first, prompt diagnosis and treatment can reverse or prevent further damage and keep your teeth and jaws healthy. 

Modern periodontal treatments can help achieve these goals, but many people aren’t familiar with them. 

At SolidSMILES Dental in Lewisville, Texas, expert dentist Hiral Patel, DDS, specializes in periodontal treatment. Keep reading to learn more about the four most common gum therapies and how to get help if you need it.

1. Scaling and root planing

Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing is often the first line of treatment for mild or moderate gum disease. 

During this procedure, we use handheld tools, such as hand and ultrasonic scalers, to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and underneath your gums. This deep-cleaning treatment reduces inflammation, prevents gum recession, and reduces the risk of tooth loss. You’ll need routine follow-up cleanings to maintain your results.

2. Antibiotic therapy

If you have moderate or severe gum disease that doesn’t respond to scaling and root planing, we might recommend antibiotic therapy, especially if you have periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that can cause bone loss in your upper or lower jaw.

Depending on your needs, we may recommend oral antibiotics, intravenous (IV) antibiotics, or implantable antibiotic beads placed beneath your gumline to target the bacteria causing the infection.

3. Gum flap surgery

We may recommend gum flap surgery if advanced gum disease is putting your teeth or jawbone at risk. 

During this procedure, Dr. Patel makes a small incision along your gum line to lift the gum tissue and access the infected area beneath. She then uses specialized tools and an antibiotic rinse to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria responsible for the infection.

4. Dental bone graft

Sometimes, gum disease is so severe that it damages the upper or lower jaw, which increases the risk of tooth loss, so restoring the damage is crucial. 

During this procedure, Dr. Patel may remove healthy bone from another area of your mouth or place a donated bone graft where you’ve lost bone. Once she places the graft, the new material encourages the growth of healthy new bone tissue, strengthening your jaw and reducing the risk of tooth loss.

Contact us about periodontal treatment

Periodontal treatment provides a safe and effective way to protect your gums and keep your smile healthy. However, the only way to know which approach is best for your situation is to undergo a professional evaluation. After an oral exam and dental X-rays, we can create a custom treatment plan just for you.

Call SolidSMILES Dental today to schedule periodontal treatment or book your visit online.