Periodontics Services: Your Dentist Ready-to-Help
Periodontics is the study of the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth. Periodontal disease is responsible for approximately 75% of tooth loss (often called gum disease). The periodontium consists of your gums, the bone in your jaw that supports your teeth, and the specialized ligaments that connect your teeth to the bone. Taking care of your periodontal health and periodontium is critical because they are the foundations of the teeth and, in addition to supporting the teeth, play an essential role in your overall health. In addition, there is mounting evidence linking your periodontal health to severe illnesses such as heart disease.
Periodontal treatments and procedures that are commonly used
Periodontal Treatment That Isn't Surgical: Periodontal treatment does not always entail surgery. For example, in the early stages of gum disease, periodontal treatments such as deep cleanings and scaling and root planing (as defined below) are required to remove as much plaque and tartar from the periodontal pockets as possible. This also helps to smooth out the root of the tooth, which helps to get rid of those nasty toxins. Adjunctive therapy, such as antibiotics or antimicrobials, is the next step in treatment.
Deep Cleaning: A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing (SRP), is a non-surgical procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. This helps restore the health of your gums by removing the bacteria and toxins that contribute to gum disease. SRP can be performed in a dental office under local anesthesia.
The procedure begins by making an incision on the tooth with a scaler, also called a curette or periodontal probe. This will help eliminate any bacteria in between your teeth and gums and loosen up plaque and tartar stuck onto your teeth (remember those toxins?). Next, the root of your tooth is smoothed out with a root planer. This will help eliminate any bumps or ledges that bacteria like to cling onto. Finally, the area is rinsed with a water/antibiotic solution to remove debris and bacteria.
This deep-cleaning procedure can be used as an initial treatment for gum disease and a follow-up procedure after your dentist has administered antibiotics or antimicrobials.
Periodontal Medications and Antimicrobial Treatments: At Rockhill, we provide periodontal treatments in medications such as doxycycline (an antibiotic), which is used to treat severe forms of gum disease. In some cases, we may also prescribe antimicrobials, which are medications that help to kill the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Pocket Reduction Surgery: Pocket reduction surgery is a surgical procedure used to reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets (the spaces between your teeth and gums). This helps make it easier for you to brush and floss your teeth, making it possible to remove the plaque that causes gum disease. After performing a thorough cleaning at home, we may use lasers or other tools to reduce periodontal pockets.
Periodontectomy: Sometimes referred to as "gum surgery," this procedure is used in severe cases of periodontitis (severe gum disease) to remove the infected gums and bone. This leaves you with a healthy foundation of teeth and supporting tissues.
You’ve come to the right place for all your dental needs. We offer a wide range of services, including periodontal services in Rockhill and dentures in addition to general family dentistry. And because we understand that no two patients are alike, our expert staff is committed to providing personalized care tailored specifically for you or your loved ones' unique oral health goals. So call us today to learn more about what River District Smiles can do for you!