Periodontal Therapy – Covington, GA

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is, more or less, a bacterial infection that targets your gums. The main cause is oral bacteria buildup, which can occur due to poor hygiene habits, excessive sugar consumption, certain medications, genetics, or hormonal changes. A mild case of gum disease is sometimes referred to as “gingivitis,” while more advanced cases are known as “periodontitis.” The consequences of periodontitis can be quite serious, so it’s best to treat gum disease as soon as possible!

Symptoms of Gum Disease

As mentioned above, gum disease can irritate your pink oral tissue, causing redness, swelling, bleeding, or even tooth loss. Here’s a more comprehensive list of possible symptoms:

• Longer-looking teeth (this can mean that your gumline is receding)
• Unusual bite or tooth misalignment
• Loose teeth
• Increased oral sensitivity
• Chronic bad breath
• Difficulties or discomfort while chewing

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

We provide a wide range of gum disease treatments in Covington, and our recommendation will ultimately depend on the results of your oral exam. Some solutions are better suited for gingivitis, while others are more effective for periodontitis. Either way, we’ll be sure to review our findings with you and make sure you’re well-informed about your options.

Antibiotic Treatment

As periodontal disease progresses, patients tend to develop small pockets of bacteria located between their teeth and gums. These are extremely hard to clean with traditional tools, which is where PerioChip antibiotic therapy can help. Smaller than a grain of rice, this chip can be placed directly into an infected pocket where it will release a powerful antibiotic 24-hours a day for an entire week. This will enable the medicine to reach even the lowest part of the pocket and kill the deepest bacteria.

Chao Pinhole Technique

Gum recession can make teeth appear unnaturally long and also expose delicate dental roots. Instead of fixing this problem with an invasive gum graft, Dr. Dean can use the Chao Pinhole Technique to restore the look, health, and position of your gumline. Special tools and training enable him to gently stretch and massage the gums back into place without the need for incisions or sutures. This process is fast and effective, and results can be seen almost immediately.

Periodontal Maintenance

After being diagnosed with gum disease, we’ll encourage you to engage in ongoing care so that you can keep the levels of bacteria in your mouth under control. This will involve diligent oral hygiene at home, rinsing with a special kind of mouthwash, and receiving dental cleanings every three-to-four months. If the infection looks like it’s coming back, our team will be able to take care of it right away!

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is like a type of “deep cleaning” for your teeth. The goal is to eliminate the bacteria that are hiding below your gumline. Using special tools and a gentle touch, we will “scale” bacteria from your infected gums, then smooth out your tooth roots to help prevent reinfection.

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Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?

Some cases of gum disease can be reversed via thorough at-home oral hygiene techniques, such as thorough brushing and flossing.

However, if your condition is more advanced, we may recommend scaling and root planing. You should visit us for a periodontal evaluation if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Persistent bad breath
• Swollen gums that bleed easily
• Red or discolored gums
• Minor gum recession
• Noticeable pockets between your teeth and gums

The Process of Scaling & Root Planing

We usually administer local anesthesia to make the treatment process easier and more comfortable. During the scaling portion of your treatment, we will use a special instrument to remove plaque and tartar from both above and below your gumline. Next, during root planing, we will smooth out the roots of your teeth so bacteria find it more difficult to clean to them and cause reinfection.

Depending on the extent of the care you need, scaling and root planing may take one or more appointments. We usually work on one quarter of the mouth at a time.

Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing

Because scaling and root planing can be an intensive treatment, it may be a few weeks before your mouth feels normal after your appointment. In the meantime, here are some practical aftercare tips:

• Regularly rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe inflammation and kill bacteria.
• Be very gentle during your oral hygiene routine.
• Eat soft foods that are not too hot. Cool foods may feel nice.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity for the first few days of your recovery — you should prioritize rest!
• Call us if you have questions or concerns at any point during your healing process.