Periodontal Therapy – Wilmington, VT
Relief for Bleeding, Swollen Gums
Periodontal or “gum” disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes degeneration and destruction of the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in your mouth. PD is not just a disease of the mouth. It has been shown to have wide-ranging systemic risks as well, including lung disease, poor control of diabetes, low birth weight, poor wound healing, lowered immune function and an increased risk of heart attacks.
Why Choose Deerfield Valley Dental Care for Periodontal Therapy?
- Cutting Edge Dental Technology
- Reliable Arestin Antibiotic Therapy
- Dedication to Excellent Patient Experience
What is Gum Disease?
Our mouth forms plaque (a sticky film containing bacteria) on a daily basis. Plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing but, when it is not removed effectively, the plaque can thicken and harden onto your teeth forming tartar (calculus). Tartar is heavily contaminated with harmful bacteria and cannot be removed with a brush or floss. As it begins to form, it causes irritation and inflammation that results in pockets of infection under the gum line. These pockets deepen over time, resulting in the deterioration of the bone and fiber supporting the teeth. Without these structures, the teeth become loose, infected and lost.
Scaling & Root Planing
Intervention in the disease process is crucial if the teeth are to be saved. The tartar in these pockets must be entirely removed from the root surfaces and the root surface of the teeth must be smoothed. This procedure is called “scaling and root planing” or simply “deep scaling”. These procedures are done as an initial therapy for PD. In more advanced cases of PD, additional treatment can be needed and can include antibiotics or laser pocket surgery. PD that does not respond to these treatments may even require referral to a Periodontist (gum specialist). The Periodontist will provide a surgical procedure that can correct or control PD that is not responding well to other treatments.
Arestin Antibiotic Therapy
The bacteria contributing to gum disease are often hiding quite deep, to the point that scaling and root planing likely won’t be enough to completely get rid of them on their own. We can prescribe Arestin microspheres that can be placed directly into the pockets of the gums. This way, the antibiotic contained in the microspheres can be delivered straight to the site of the infection, fighting the harmful organisms that contribute to periodontal disease.
At-Home Periodontal Care
Please remember that the most important element in managing PD is YOU!
The homecare that you do on a daily basis is what will make the biggest difference in stabilizing the tissues. Please follow the homecare routines that have been provided for you by your dentist or hygienist. Frequent maintenance visits are also crucial to monitor PD. At each visit, the hygienist will recheck pocket depths, bleeding, degree of inflammation, review home care and clean the root surfaces. This may need to be done at intervals of 3 months or less depending upon your situation.