Do I Need Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is an integral part of maintaining good oral health. It is a treatment that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. If you have concerns about your gum health, speaking to a dental professional is important to determine whether you need periodontal therapy.

The proficient team at Byrne Family Dentistry of La Grange, KY, is proud to serve the local community with premium dental care services, identifying and recommending custom solutions for your unique situation before they can transform into severe issues.

What is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is a comprehensive treatment plan that aims to prevent, diagnose, and treat gum diseases. It involves several procedures that work together to restore and maintain the health of your gums. Some of the common periodontal therapy treatments include scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and bone grafting.

What are the Benefits of Periodontal Therapy?

There are several benefits of undergoing periodontal therapy. Firstly, it helps prevent the progression of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues. It can help reduce the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which are linked to gum disease. Further, it can improve the appearance of your smile by reducing gum inflammation and improving the overall health of your gums.

Your Partner in Periodontal Excellence

If you have concerns about your gum health, speaking to a dental professional is necessary to determine whether you need periodontal therapy. By undergoing this treatment and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can improve the overall health of your gums and prevent serious health issues.

During your next consultation with the prepared team at Byrne Family Dentistry of La Grange, KY, you can be sure you receive the proper care and guidance you and your family deserve.

What’s Involved With Periodontal Therapy?  

When you have periodontal disease, certain measures need to be taken in order to help prevent the loss of permanent teeth. Periodontal therapy therapy in La Grange, KY involves a treatment that assists in managing and treating the underlying periodontal disease. The goal is to help the gums and supporting tooth structures to heal. There are several steps involved in periodontal therapy, including:

Comprehensive Dental Exam

First, your dentist will conduct a dental examination in order to assess the situation. This will aid the dentist in determining the stage of periodontal disease, as well as help to formulate a precise treatment program regarding the periodontal therapy that is needed.

Scaling

Tartar buildup is one of the major contributors to periodontal disease, so it must be removed first. An experienced dental hygienist will perform this step, which removes tartar both above and below the gum line. This may be accomplished through a combination of hand tools and ultrasonic dental devices.

Root Planing

In periodontal disease, the roots of the teeth are often attached by bacteria, leaving behind toxins and a rough surface that makes it even easier for bacteria to thrive beneath the gum line. In root planing, the surface of the tooth root is planed and smoothed. This helps to eliminate existing bacteria and makes it more difficult for future bacteria to colonize.

Antibiotics

Oral bacteria generally responds to antibiotic treatment, so a course of antibiotics is typically prescribed in periodontal therapy. This helps to get the bacterial infection under control and aids in reducing gum inflammation. Oral antibiotics may come in the form of tablets, rinses or oral gels.

The final stage in periodontal therapy involves at home oral health care and follow-up visits with your dentist in La Grange, KY. With early detection and periodontal therapy, your adult permanent teeth might be saved. Contact us to learn more about periodontal therapy services or to book your appointment today.