EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND AGGRESSIVE TREATMENT
Periodontal disease begins when the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums becomes filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. This causes inflammation in the surrounding tissues, and when these irritants go unnoticed, they cause damage to your gums and, eventually, the bone that supports your teeth.
At Williamsburg Center for Dental Health, we can diagnose this disease early, known as gingivitis. If the periodontal disease progresses into a later stage, we offer customized treatment plans, which include:
- Regular cleanings
- At-home oral hygiene counseling
- Scaling and root planing
- Periodontal surgery
- Arestin
Our patients often wonder about our recommendations for treating periodontal disease (gum infection). We want them to understand the changes that can affect gum and bone health even while seeing the hygienist every six months.
- Bacteria: If you have not been properly cleaning the bacteria off by brushing, flossing, and using a water pick, you could have bacteria building up which causes your gum tissue to break down.
- Mechanical Stress: If you have been grinding or clenching your teeth, you increase the mechanical stress on the gum and bone.
- Environmental Factors: If your health status has changed and you are taking new medications, this could cause inflammation, which creates the pockets and bleeding characteristic of periodontal disease.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER PERIODONTAL TREATMENT?
Gum disease will not go away on its own. Because it is an infection, it needs to be treated professionally with an antibiotic in combination with scaling and root planing, also known as periodontal therapy.
Scaling and root planing remove much of the plaque and tartar above and below your gum line, where bacteria produce toxins that irritate your gums and cause infections. Although your hygienist removes the plaque and tartar, bacteria can be left at the base of the gum pocket, which in turn will hinder healing.
We use Arestin to combat this bacteria. We administer it directly into the infected areas or “pockets” in your gums.
Periodontal disease is important to treat so that you maintain the health of the bone supporting your teeth and prevent heart disease. We want to ensure that we are working with you to ensure you are taking all the measures you need to maintain good dental health. YOU and your health are very important to us!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can you not do after a periodontal treatment?
After periodontal treatment, patients should avoid eating until all numbness wears off. We recommend avoiding hard, chewy, and sharp foods for the first day following treatment. We also recommend patients avoid drinking hot beverages for at least 48 hours after treatment.
Does periodontal therapy hurt?
Periodontal therapy may cause some discomfort, but patients typically describe it as minor discomfort. We recommend that you seek treatment if you have gum disease. If not, you may experience extreme pain and potential tooth loss.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
Our dentist completes most periodontal treatments within two hours. Some treatments require sedation or a local anesthetic to numb the gums in some cases.
Do gums reattach after deep cleaning?
Most patients can expect their gums to reattach after a deep cleaning. After a deep cleaning, gum health will be restored by removing plaque buildup, germs, and bacteria.
What is the most common problem patients experience after periodontal surgery?
Pain, swelling, infection, and bleeding are all possible side effects of any surgical procedure. Root hypersensitivity and gingival recession are also possible after surgery.
How long does periodontal disease take to heal?
You can expect a longer healing time if your gum condition is severe. In certain cases, the wounds can take as long as a month to heal. Soft foods are recommended for the first few days following treatment because your mouth will be sore and swollen.