Options for Managing Periodontal Disease
Untreated gum disease can lead to early tooth loss. It is often the result of poor oral hygiene, but early stages can be reversed before serious damage occurs, and more advanced periodontal disease can be managed using a variety of professional treatments including non-surgical therapies, drugs, and invasive gum surgery. Your overall health and your history of response to earlier treatments will help your periodontist or family dentist in Virginia decide what type of treatment for gum disease will be most effective. Here are a few examples of how professional dental care can help you regain your healthy gums after periodontal disease takes hold.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Gum Disease
Non-invasive treatments for gum disease involves removing the plaque and tartar that has built up on the teeth’s surface. If you have mild periodontal disease, a simple professional teeth cleaning may be sufficient. When tartar extends beneath your gums, scaling and root planing is usually required. During these procedures, hardened tartar and bacteria is scraped away from the area beneath the gum line, and rough spots on the roots of your teeth are made smooth so that your teeth can more easily reattach to gum tissues.
Surgical Treatment for Extensive Periodontal Disease
Surgical options for treating gum disease include:
- Gum flap surgery
- Reduction of periodontal pockets
- Grafts of soft tissue
- Bone grafts or surgery
- Guided tissue regeneration
Drug Treatment for Gum Disease
Antibiotic and antimicrobial treatments may be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies; these products include oral antibiotics, mouth rinses, special toothpastes or medicine-filled chips inserted into periodontal pockets after root planing.
See Your Family Dentist in Virginia
Most periodontal procedures can be performed by a dentist or periodontist in an office setting using local anesthesia. No special preparations are required on the patient’s part. You can’t afford to neglect your oral health when affordable dental care is within your reach. Don’t wait until gum disease destroys your smile; make an appointment to see a qualified provider today.
To learn about our family dentistry practice in Virginia, call Dental One Associates of Virginia today at or make an appointment.
Dental One Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Virginia. With 5 affiliated practices throughout Virginia, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Dental One Associates of Virginia, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Dental One Associates of Virginia.
