Treatment For Periodontitis and Gum Disease

Why Would You Need Scaling and Root Planing?

Periodontitis, AKA gum disease, is caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Plaque is always forming on your teeth but if your teeth aren’t cleaned well, the bacteria in plaque can cause your teeth to become inflamed. If left untreated your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth leaving pockets where the bacteria will breed. Once this has happened, not only is it extremely difficult if not impossible to remove with regular brushing and flossing, you’re at risk of bone and tooth loss. We would recommend scaling and root planing if she diagnoses you with Periodontitis.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing Treatment?

Scaling and root planing is a two-part procedure to treat Periodontitis. Scaling is when we would remove all of the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below your gumline. It’s important that she cleans all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. We would then begin the second phase of treatment, which is, root planing. Root planing is smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums re-attach to your teeth. Planing helps the root surfaces become smooth, which keeps bacteria, plaque and tartar from re-adhering underneath the gumline. The process may take more than one appointment to make sure that your teeth are clean and healthy.

After Care Tips

When you see us for follow up treatments she will want to check on the healing of your teeth and gums. In most cases, patients who had red or swollen gums find that their gums turn pink again and bleeding from Periodontitis is reduced or completely eliminated. If your gums respond well and remain stable, you’ll not need any further treatment. 

Fighting Gum Disease with Arestin

What Is Arestin?

Arestin is a topical antibiotic that treats the bacteria that cause gum disease. It is made up of a powder with thousands of tiny microspheres. They are tiny bead-like particles that are smaller than grains of sand and not visible to the naked eye. These microspheres release antibiotics over long periods of time into the pockets where bacteria are breeding. This allows your gums to heal better.

Why Would We Use Arestin In Your Treatment?

If you’re diagnosed with periodontitis, AKA, gum disease we may recommend Arestin in your treatment. Gum disease is caused by microbial plaque that colonizes on your tooth’s surface and below the gum line. This bacteria will break down the tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. If it’s left untreated your gums can become enflamed and the tissues and bone that hold your teeth up can begin to deteriorate. Your gums can become separated from your teeth. This can create pockets that become a breeding ground for more bacteria. We would use Arestin to help fight gum disease after a periodontal procedure. This is also known as a scaling and root planing procedure.

Why Richardson General and Cosmetic Dentistry Recommends Waterpik

The Most Advanced Water Flossing System

Here at Richardson General and Cosmetic Dentistry, we remind all of our patients that great hygiene starts with brushing and flossing daily. But, unfortunately many of our patients forget to floss. Brushing is very helpful but it’s not the end all be all of dental hygiene, you should floss daily. For some of our patient’s flossing is awkward, messy and difficult to do it the correct way. For those patients that have a difficult time flossing, we recommend using Waterpik.

Why We Recommend A Waterpik?

Waterpik is a water flossing system that makes flossing fast, easy and effective. It does all of the work allowing you to have healthier gums and brighter teeth in only about a minute a day. It’s the number one recommended water flossing system within the dental industry. It’s known for performance and quality. Many of our patients have come to love and appreciate its effectiveness.

To schedule a consultation or to ask any questions about scaling and root planing, give us a call at (972) 690-6653 or send us an email.