Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment is essential for combating and preserving oral health. Aside from prescribed rinses or medication, our Greater Kalamazoo dentists may also recommend scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning process that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, and smooths tooth roots to prevent bacteria buildup. Combined with laser gum therapy, which targets and eliminates bacteria within the tooth pocket, these treatments effectively reduce infection and promote healing.
Learn more about our approach to taking care of advanced gum disease below.
Signs You Need Expert Dental Care
Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, often progresses gradually, making early detection crucial. That’s why if subtle signs of early gingivitis are noticed, we recommend contacting our Portage, MI, dental office due to its reversibility at this stage. It’s once gingivitis makes the transition into periodontitis that you then have to manage a chronic condition.
Some warning signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums (especially during brushing or flossing)
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession (where gums pull away from teeth)
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
If left untreated, these issues can worsen and lead to bone loss, tooth mobility, or even tooth loss. Visiting our dentists at the first sign of these symptoms is essential to prevent the progression of gum disease and maintain long-term oral health.
How Periodontal Treatment Can Help
As mentioned above, one of the most common treatments used for patients diagnosed with gum disease is scaling and root planing. This procedure involves two parts and begins with scaling. Our dentists or hygienists will first remove all plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. It’s important that we clean down to the bottom of the pocket during this step.
Root planing then involves smoothing out your tooth roots in order to help your gums reattach to your teeth. Scaling and root planing is non-surgical, may take multiple visits to our office depending on the severity of your condition, and will generally involve the application of a local anesthetic to numb the area in need of cleaning. This is to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
In addition to scaling and root planing, we may also recommend laser gum therapy. Our office uses the Picasso diode laser to target and sterilize periodontal pockets—spaces that form between the teeth and gums due to gum disease. The laser’s focused beams of light clean these pockets quickly, usually within 5-10 minutes, making it an efficient and comfortable option. After treatment, we apply vitamin E ointment to soothe and promote healing. There’s no downtime, and patients can expect full recovery within a week.
Manage Gum Disease Effectively
Early intervention and expert periodontal care from our , are key to managing gum disease. Call Sharp Smile Center today at (269) 344-4004 to request an appointment, prevent further damage, and keep your smile healthy for years to come.