Periodontitis and Treatment Options
Giving you a healthy smile is our number one priority here at Macon Smiles and we’re proud to offer our high-quality dentistry services for all those located in or around Macon, Forsyth, and North Macon, GA. As your all-inclusive stop for dentistry, one of these efficient dental options that we offer is our Macon
periodontics. If you’re unsure what periodontitis is or what periodontitis treatment is like, we’d love to explain more about it right now.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis (also known as periodontal disease) is when gum disease progresses into a more serious stage. It can damage the soft gum tissue and destroy the bone that supports a person’s teeth, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. This disease is usually attributed to poor oral hygiene. While periodontitis is common, it can typically be prevented through good oral hygiene habits. These habits can include brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting a dentist regularly.
Symptoms of Periodontitis
There are many different symptoms of periodontitis. These include the following:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Gums that feel tender
- Gums that recede
- Loose teeth
- Painful chewing
- Bright red gums
- Swollen gums
- Puffy gums
- Spaces that have developed between the teeth
- Bad breath
About Periodontitis Treatment
There are a variety of periodontitis treatment options that may be recommended depending on the severity of the periodontal disease. Some of these treatment options are as follows:
- Oral Hygiene: This is always the first step in gum disease treatment. A patient should brush twice a day and floss as well in order to maintain good oral hygiene. If good oral hygiene isn’t maintained, periodontitis can recur.
- Scaling and Planing: Scaling is used to clean below a patient’s gum-line. This can be done by using hand tools or with an ultrasonic device to break up the plaque and the calculus. Planing is done to smooth out the rough areas on the roots of the teeth. Bacteria can potentially lodge within rough patches, which will increase the risk of gum disease.
- Antibiotics: These can come in the forms of gels, tablets, and microspheres. Antibiotics are used to control bacteria and shrink the periodontal pockets.
- Flap Surgery: In more severe cases of periodontitis, surgery may be recommended. With flap surgery, the gums are lifted back so that tartar and calculus in the deep periodontal pockets can be removed. The pockets may even be reduced so that keeping them clean is easier in the future.
- Bone and Tissue Grafts: When gum or bone tissue has been destroyed, this form of periodontitis treatment can help regenerate it. Natural or synthetic bone will be placed where the bone was lost, which will help promote bone growth.
Visit Us for Our Macon Periodontics!
The first step of preventing or treating periodontitis is always with a dental check-up! Please feel free to schedule an appointment with us for gum disease treatment or just a regular exam. To do so, give us a call at (478) 757-8714 or fill out our
appointment request form. We’re looking forward to seeing you and helping you achieve a healthier smile!