Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal Therapy

At Cedar Walk Dentistry, we look at the whole picture when it comes to your oral hygiene. Your teeth are important for a strong, beautiful, healthy smile. But don't overlook your gums.

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile - that's why we take our periodontal therapy seriously.

Gum Disease

As the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, periodontal disease (or gum disease) is no small matter. According to statistics, 80% of all adults over 35 years of age have some form of gum disease. Left untreated, it can lead to serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even premature babies.

Periodontal disease is caused by infection from the build up of plaque and tartar in your mouth. When plaque (the filmy fuzzy covering on your teeth) isn't removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. This tartar has to be removed at your hygiene visits. If it is not removed, the bacteria can continue to grow and irritate your gums and surrounding bone and tissue. When inflammation continues to destroy this tissue, pockets form around the teeth. As the disease progresses, the pockets get deeper giving the bacteria a bigger home.

Warning Signs

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Red and swollen gums
  • Receding gumlines

Proper restorative care of teeth cannot be performed on diseased gums, so we must restore your gum health before beginning dental work. Our office offers several periodontal therapy services, so you can keep your gums healthy.

Treatment Options for Periodontal Therapy

SCALING AND ROOT PLANING

Also known as a "deep cleaning"

This is a conservative treatment we use to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. This clears away the bacteria that can cause inflammation and infection in the gum tissue and surrounding bone structures.

NON-SURGICAL ARESTIN THERAPY

Arestin is a concentrated, locally administered antibiotic.

It is applied directly into the infected gum pockets between your teeth and is especially effective when used after a scaling and root planing therapy. The antibiotic remains active in the pocket for an extended period of time and continuously releases itself to target recurring bacteria to reduce pocket depth and infection. Source and More Information.

PERIODONTAL SURGERY

If pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce the pocket depth and make teeth easier to keep clean.

We also offer the following dental care services:

  • Regular checkups and cleanings
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Dental sealants
  • Nightguards
  • Mouthguards
  • Laser Dentistry
  • Cleanings
  • Veneers
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Bridges
  • Crowns
  • Fillings
  • Dentures
  • Root Canals
  • Dental Implants
  • Extractions