Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal Therapy in Easton, PA
Our experienced team of dental professionals in Easton, PA, is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care possible. We offer various periodontal therapy services designed to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. We know that each patient has specific needs, and we will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for you.
Contact our office today to learn more about our periodontal therapy services or schedule an appointment.
What causes gum disease and periodontal disease?
The word “periodontal” literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the gum line tissue and bone that support the teeth. It is caused by a build-up of plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If the plaque is not removed correctly, it can harden and turn into calculus (tartar). If periodontal and gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
Signs That Your Gum Tissue is Infected
Periodontal disease is usually painless in the early stages. Many people do not realize they have it. The following symptoms are most commonly associated with periodontal and gum disease:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Chronic bad breath
- A lingering bad taste in your mouth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Receding gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
What is periodontal therapy?
Periodontal therapy is a dental treatment that focuses on the gums and bones that support the teeth. It is also sometimes called “periodontal maintenance” or “gum treatment.” Periodontal therapy is recommended for patients who have periodontal disease or are at risk of developing it.
The number one goal of periodontal therapy is to remove the infection, prevent further gums damage, and prevent bone loss.
What does periodontal therapy entail?
Periodontal treatment may include one or more of the following:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is a painless, non-surgical dental care procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and root surfaces. Scaling is done by hand with manual instruments or ultrasonic devices. Root planing is a deeper cleaning that smoothes the rough spots on the root surfaces where bacteria can hide.
- Antibacterial Mouthrinses: These mouth rinses help kill the bacteria and help control the infection in the mouth and gums.
- Oral Antibiotics: These are pills taken by mouth to assist in killing the bacteria. They are often prescribed by the dentist and should be taken as instructed for best results.
- Surgical Periodontal Therapy: This is the last resort and is only done if the other forms of therapy have not worked and the infection is in an advanced stage. It involves cleaning out the infected gum tissue and bone and sometimes placing a soft tissue graft to encourage tissue growth.
- Periodontal Maintenance: This is regular visits to the dentist or Periodontist for a deep dental cleaning and a dental health check-up. Periodontal Maintenance is recommended for all patients with periodontal disease, even after the disease has been treated.
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral health habits. This means brushing your teeth twice a day using an electric toothbrush, flossing daily, and dental exams. If you have periodontal or gum disease, keeping up with your periodontal maintenance visits is essential. This will help control the infection and prevent further damage to your gums and bone.
Contact Us for Periodontal Therapy
If you need periodontal treatment in Easton, PA, or have any questions about our services, please contact our dental office. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and schedule an appointment for you.
