Periodontal Therapy in Enfield
When most people think of visiting their dentist in Enfield, they might just consider the treatments that are necessary for maintaining strong teeth. However, there is so much more that goes into oral health! Your gums also pay a vital role in your smile’s well-being. That’s why we offer periodontal therapy as one of our many preventive services.
Why Is Periodontal Therapy So Important?
Gum disease is extremely common, with some form of it affecting roughly half of adults in the United States. For most people, the condition is fairly mild and can be addressed with a few simple adjustments to their oral hygiene routine. However, if it is allowed to worsen to the point where gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) advances to periodontitis, a number of serious problems can result. Symptoms of gum disease may include:
- Chronic bad breath
- Swollen, bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Gum recession
That’s not all. In some cases, the bacteria that causes gum disease sneaks into the bloodstream and contributes to conditions such as heart disease, premature birth, dementia, stroke, and other systemic health problems.
What Is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy” is a term that encompasses a number of treatments that dentists use to fight gum disease. One of the most common forms of periodontal therapy is scaling and root planing. During the scaling portion of the procedure, your dentist carefully removes all of the plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gum line. This is more intensive than a regular dental cleaning and usually requires the use of a local anesthetic.
During the root planing part of the treatment, your dentist smooths out the roots of your teeth. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to cling to them and gives your gums a chance to heal. After your procedure, you may need to take antibiotics for a while.
In severe cases of gum disease, surgery may be necessary. However, your dentist will carefully consider all non-invasive options before recommending any type of surgery.
What Happens After Periodontal Therapy?
After you receive treatment for gum disease, it is important that you attend follow-up appointments in our office so we can make sure that the problem is still under control. Once your gums have recovered, we may recommend further treatment to restore your smile’s appearance and function. For example, if your condition caused tooth loss, we can help you investigate dental implants or other options for filling in those new gaps.
We will also give you some tips to help you care for your mouth so the gum disease is less likely to return. In addition to coaching you on how to have the best oral hygiene routine possible, we may educate you on how certain lifestyle choices and health conditions, such as tobacco use or diabetes, can affect your gum health.
Gum disease is a major cause for concern, but with periodontal therapy in Enfield and a few adjustments to your daily routine, you may be able to beat this condition and enjoy renewed oral health. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about how we can help your gums thrive.