When left untreated, periodontal disease can progress from large gum pockets and bad breath to receding gums and eventual tooth loss. To halt the problem in its tracks, you can turn to our Amesbury, MA, dental care team. We’re always here to spot gum disease as it develops and perform periodontal therapy to reverse the damage.
What is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy centers around the treatments needed to stop the progression of gum disease and repair the damage. The treatment you need depends on the severity of the condition.
For mild to moderate cases, treatment starts with scaling and root planning, which involves cleaning the plaque out from deep beneath the gum line. This helps remove the bacteria causing damage to your gums and threatening the health of your teeth. You may also need to use medication trays at home to help treat infections and prevent future ones from occurring.
Severe cases, on the other hand, may require surgery, including gum grafts and gum flap procedures. By performing a gum graft, we can repair severely receded gums using healthy tissue from elsewhere in your mouth. Gum flap surgery allows our team to clean the root of the tooth to keep bacteria from further damaging the bone.
Signs You Need Gum Therapy
When periodontal disease starts to develop, you may first notice that your gums bleed when you brush and floss. The bleeding occurs due to inflammation caused by the bacteria wreaking havoc in the gum pockets around each tooth.
Other signs of gum disease include:
- Chronic bad breath
- Painful, inflamed gums
- Receding gum tissue
- Loose teeth
You should always seek care from your dentist upon noticing any of the signs you need periodontal therapy. Starting the treatments early can stop the progression of this condition, allowing your gum tissues to heal naturally. It’s also never too late to seek care, so please feel free to reach out anytime.
Need Periodontal Therapy? Call to Schedule Your Visit
If you think it’s time for periodontal therapy, call 978-388-6308 to reach our team at Amesbury Family Dental. We’ll help you find a great time to come by for a full dental exam and consultation. We welcome you to call us whenever you need help maintaining your healthy smile.
