Periodontal Treatment in Savannah, Hilton Head, and Bluffton

Name: Periodontal Treatment
Brand: Old Moreland Dental
Rating: 4.8 (52 reviews)

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common condition usually caused by a bacterial infection. Fortunately, most gum disease can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular dental cleanings. In its early stages, gum disease can be reversed. In its advanced stages, it can be treated and prevented from progressing.

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Protect Your Oral Health

Almost half of all American adults have some form of gum disease. In Americans over the age of 65, this figure rises to 70 percent. In a healthy state, your gums will appear pink and firm and will not bleed when you brush or floss. When bacteria are permitted to accumulate in your mouth, they begin to form the sticky mass known as plaque. If this plaque is not removed from your gums, they may get inflamed. This first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If left untreated, this inflammation may progress to periodontitis.

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Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic gum disease caused by bacteria that have been allowed to accumulate on your teeth and gums. If it goes untreated, periodontitis may eventually result in tooth loss. While periodontitis can’t be cured once it is present, treatments exist to improve the condition and prevent it from progressing.

Do I Have Periodontal Disease?

During your regular checkups, your dentist will examine your gums and check for any signs of inflammation. He may use a small probe to measure any pockets around your teeth. This is an important step, as you may not experience symptoms of periodontal disease in its early stages. Your dentist will be able to detect it before it is permitted to progress to an advanced stage. Symptoms of periodontitis include:

Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth
Bleeding gums
Receding gums
Loose teeth
Swollen or tender gums

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated In Bluffton?

Treatment depends on how advanced your gum disease is. If the disease is in its early stages, maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular professional cleanings may be adequate treatment. Dr. Solomon will give you advice on how to take care of your teeth and gums to prevent any further disease. This will include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and getting professional cleanings at least twice a year. If your periodontal disease is more advanced, Dr. Solomon may recommend the following treatments:

Antibiotics: If an infection doesn’t respond to cleanings and good oral hygiene, Dr. Solomon may recommend antibiotics in the form of a special mouthwash, gel, or tablets.

Special cleanings: If you have deep pockets around your teeth, these may require deep cleaning.

Surgical treatments: For advanced periodontitis, treatment may include dental surgery. Several different procedures exist to reduce gum pockets, regenerate, or replace lost tissue, and prevent tooth loss by holding your tooth in place with bone grafts.

Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a special non-surgical procedure that removes tartar (hardened plaque) completely from your teeth and the roots of your teeth below the gum line. If your periodontal disease is advanced, you may benefit from undergoing this procedure several times a year. Removing tartar can prevent gum disease from progressing further.

What Is The Procedure Like?

Scaling is the first part of the treatment. Your dentist will use a dental scaler to chip tartar off your teeth above the gum line. Root planing removes tartar from the roots of your teeth. Your dentist may administer a local anesthetic, after which he will gently push aside your gum tissue to expose the surface of your roots. He will chip tartar off the roots to make them smooth. This will help prevent tartar from reaccumulating.

Exceptional Service Every Day, One Patient At A Time

Choosing the right dentist is important. At Old Moreland Dental, we understand that you may have had bad experiences in the past. You may be anxious about your dental care, especially if you struggle with periodontal disease. Dr. Jeffrey Solomon has been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years and has extensive experience in the field of periodontal treatment in the Savannah, Hilton Head, and Bluffton areas. He will listen to your concerns, goals, and craft a treatment plan that will help you achieve those goals. Our team is warm, friendly, and welcoming, and we are dedicated to providing you with 5-star service that surpasses your expectations.