Gum Disease Treatment – Peabody, MA
Protect Your Smile with Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is a dangerous bacterial infection of the gum tissue that if left untreated can cause a variety of problems throughout the mouth and body. Gum disease treatment can help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and prevent it from further harming your oral and overall health. While each patient’s treatment plan will look different, here are some of the methods Dr. Saati may use to treat your gum disease and protect your teeth and gums.
Why Choose Dr. Spiro Saati for Gum Disease Treatment?
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by a bacterial infection within the mouth that directly affects the gums and bone structure that supports the teeth.
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease, and periodontitis, which is the more advanced stage.
Thankfully, gingivitis can often be reversed by improving your oral hygiene routine. However, periodontitis cannot be cured, only managed, to prevent worsening effects such as tooth and bone loss.
Factors that could increase your risk of developing gum disease include:
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on how far the condition has progressed.
Signs of gingivitis:
Signs of periodontitis:
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
Before determining which gum disease treatment options are best for you, Dr. Saati will thoroughly examine your mouth to determine the severity of your condition. Based on his findings, he will discuss all your treatment options with you and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Scaling & Root Planing
Dental decay isn’t the only thing that can threaten your pearly whites; infection in the gum tissue can be harmful to the rest of your mouth. In many cases, periodontal disease can be addressed in its early stages by getting rid of the plaque and tartar in the affected area. This deep cleaning is known as scaling and root planing—a straightforward process designed to protect your smile from potential bacteria and infection. If Dr. Saati recommends that you undergo this treatment, here’s what you can expect from it before coming in for your appointment.
Do You Need Scaling & Root Planing?
Generally speaking, our team will recommend this service if a patient is showing signs of gum disease that has advanced further than normal. Some of the common reasons we’ll suggest scaling and root planing are if you have some of the following symptoms:
- Receding gum line
- Bleeding in the gums during flossing and brushing
- Trouble biting down or chewing
- Visible plaque and tartar buildup
- Chronic bad breath
Should you notice any of the above indications, make sure to notify our team so that Dr. Saati can evaluate your gums to check if scaling and root planing will be required. This treatment will likely be recommended if you have a more advanced gum infection.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-part process that can typically be completed in two appointments.
First, we will thoroughly remove all the plaque and tartar from the teeth to minimize bacteria presence. If you have experienced any gum recession, we will scale the area as far down as the pockets of your gums to make sure there are no bacteria left hiding in the area.
When you return for your second appointment, we will smooth the surface of the roots of your teeth, removing any hardened bacterial deposits. This will help your gum tissue reattach to your tooth’s structure, protecting the roots.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
It’s normal to experience some tenderness and mild discomfort for several days following scaling and root planing. Your teeth might also be slightly sensitive, and your gums may experience minor inflammation. This is normal and can be easily managed by taking over-the-counter pain medications. During your recovery, you’ll need to protect your smile by brushing and flossing regularly to prevent infection. Be sure to avoid eating spicy, sharp, or excessively hot foods while you are recovering.
Our team can provide specific guidelines on taking care of your smile, and we may even prescribe you an antibiotic or special mouthrinse to help your gums heal. If you notice any discomfort that lasts longer than a couple of weeks or gets worse, notify us right away for help.
Antibiotic Treatment
In addition to root scaling and planing, Dr. Saati may prescribe an oral antibiotic treatment. This will be in pill form and will target the origin of your infection while it prevents your symptoms from worsening. Be sure to follow the medication’s instructions exactly as prescribed, as failure to do so may affect its effectiveness.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
Laser periodontal treatment isn’t a treatment in itself; it just utilizes of a soft tissue lasering the process of scaling and root planing to kill bacteria and remove severely damaged gum tissue, leaving only healthy tissue behind.
The soft tissue laser minimizes bleeding, eliminating the need for sutures and a scalpel, which in turn makes your treatment and recovery much more comfortable.