"I had a deep scaling done - whole mouth in one day saved time and the work significantly helped my gums."
Robyn C., Concord
Gum Disease Treatments
What treatments are done for gum disease?
Periodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that is concerned with the prevention and treatment of diseases of the gums and bones surrounding the teeth. These diseases include gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums (gingiva), and periodontitis, a serious bacterial infection that can destroy the fibers and bone that hold your teeth in place. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to tooth loss. Infections of the gums have even been associated with heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The following procedures are used to treat patients diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease:
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Localized Antimicrobials (Antibiotic Therapy)
- Osseous Surgery
- Grafing procedures
Are there non-surgical treatments for gum disease?
Non-surgical periodontal treatment, or scaling and root planing, may be all that's needed in some cases. Scaling is a treatment to remove the hardened build-up of plaque, calculus and bacteria from gum "pockets" that form around your teeth in periodontal disease. Planing consists of cleaning and smoothing of the root surfaces so the gum tissue can attach more firmly to the root. This can help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth loss.
When needed, scaling and root planing is followed by the application of local antibiotics placed right into the affected gum pockets to help them heal.
After scaling and root planing is completed and your gums have healed, a regular "perio maintenance" program is important to keep your gum tissues free from recurring infection. Your dentist and hygienist will recommend a 3-, 4- or 6-month maintenance schedule based on your stage of disease and the response of your gum tissue. Excellent and attentive home-care is also important to prevent disease progression.
Non-surgical treatment requires a coordinated team approach, but the results are well worth the effort.
What is periodontal surgery?
If the gum tissue around your teeth has become so unhealthy or has eroded so much that non-surgical treatments alone will not repair it, periodontal surgery may be considered. A visit with Dr. Singh, our Periodontist, for a complete periodontal examination will give you information to decide the best treatment plan for you. With your periodontist as part of the dental team at NHCCD, your treatment and follow-up care can be completed with maximum ease and convenience. In severe cases where periodontal surgery cannot repair the structures that hold the tooth in place, tooth extraction may be needed. If you’ve already lost one or more teeth, dental implants can be a great option for restoring your smile.
Will I need dental implants?
If you've already lost a tooth or teeth to periodontal disease, trauma or other reasons you may be interested in dental implants. A dental implant is essentially a high-tech artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone as an anchor for a natural looking crown, bridge or denture. Dental implants restore the natural appearance and function of missing teeth so you can speak, eat and live life with confidence. Skill and technique on the part of the periodontist are critical for comfort during periodontic and implant procedures.
At New Hampshire Center for Comprehensive Dentistry our doctors are specialists with years of experience in periodontics. We will give you care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your teeth following periodontic treatment. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about periodontics or to schedule an oral health consultation with one of our doctors.