Periodontal therapy, also known as periodontal treatment or gum disease treatment, is a series of procedures aimed at treating periodontal disease, a condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease arises from the convergence of persistent bacterial infection, the emission of volatile sulfur compounds, and the unchecked buildup of biofilm. It is caused by bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums and can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease is the result of a gum infection in which bacteria become trapped underneath your gums. These bacteria damage and destroy the bone that holds your teeth. We offer non-surgical gum disease treatment and periodontal therapy in Charlotte, NC, to restore gum and oral health.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Signs that you may have periodontal disease include:- It hurts when you floss
- It hurts when you brush
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
- You notice your gums are very red
- You notice your gums are puffy and sensitive
Steps To Periodontal Therapy in Charlotte, Near Huntersville
Treating gum disease or periodontal therapy typically involves a combination of professional dental care by our dentist, Dr. Kenitra Richardson, and good oral hygiene practices at home. Here are some common steps involved in our periodontal therapy in Charlotte:1. Assessment and Diagnosis
The first step is a thorough examination of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This may include measuring pocket depths (the space between the gums and teeth), taking X-rays to assess bone loss, and evaluating other factors such as plaque and tartar buildup.2. Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Non-surgical periodontal treatment is the first line of defense to treat periodontal disease. This is a painless procedure in which our dental team will remove the calcified bacteria deposits that are growing beneath your gums. Once these calcified deposits are removed, your gums can begin to heal.3. Scaling and Root Planing
This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the surfaces of the teeth and their roots. Scaling involves scraping away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the root surfaces to remove rough spots where bacteria can accumulate.4. Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help control bacterial infections and inflammation. Antibiotics can be administered locally (such as in the form of a mouth rinse or gel applied directly to the gums) or systemically (taken orally).5. Surgical Intervention
In advanced cases of periodontal disease where there is significant gum recession or bone loss, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair damaged tissues and restore gum and bone support around the teeth. Surgical interventions may include gum grafting, bone grafting, or guided tissue regeneration.Maintenance Therapy
Once periodontal therapy is completed, ongoing maintenance is essential to prevent the recurrence of gum disease. This typically involves regular dental cleanings, good oral hygiene practices at home (such as brushing and flossing), and periodic monitoring by our dentist or periodontist. Using OraCare aids in maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home. OraCare provides activated chlorine dioxide that helps eliminate bacteria and volatile sulfur compounds and break up biofilm. It can also be used long-term in managing periodontal disease.