Our Services / Periodontal Treatment

What is periodontal treatment?

Periodontal treatment provides all-inclusive care for gum disease. There are many types of gum disease, but the two most common are:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes redness and irritation. When caught early, it’s possible to reverse gingivitis through a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and optimal oral hygiene.

Periodontitis

When left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a more serious infection that causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. The process causes pockets to form, allowing harmful bacteria and plaque to congregate. Over time, periodontitis increases your risk of loose teeth, gum recession, and bone loss.

Who might benefit from periodontal treatment?

Anyone can develop gum disease, but there are several factors that increase your risk, including:

• Using tobacco
• Diabetes
• Taking certain types of medication (i.e., oral contraceptives or calcium channel blockers)
• Crooked teeth
• Damaged fillings
• Pregnancy
• Compromised immunity

Certain genetic factors may also increase your risk.

What are the types of periodontal treatment?

Dr. Fieldsmith offers several types of periodontal treatment, including:

• The minimally invasive way
• No more rubber cups
• No more brushes
• No more paste
• Less use of power and hand instrumentation

Scaling and root planing with laser dentistry

During scaling and root planing, Dr. Fieldsmith uses a laser to remove plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line. The process smooths out your tooth roots, making it easier for your gums to reattach to them.

Antibiotic therapy

If you have an advanced case of gum disease that needs more than scaling and root planing, Dr. Fieldsmith might recommend antibiotic therapy. There are several types of antibiotics, including oral rinses, prescription pills, and implantable beads.

Gum grafts

If you have receding gums due to periodontitis, Dr. Fieldsmith might recommend a gum graft. To do that, he removes a healthy piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitches it over an area of receding tissue.

Bone grafts

Sometimes, untreated gum disease extends to the jaw, resulting in bone loss. When this occurs, a bone graft might be necessary. A bone graft involves Dr. Fieldsmith implanting a piece of natural or synthetic bone material into your jaw to reinforce it.

To receive periodontal treatment, make an appointment at the practice of Wayne T. Fieldsmith, DDS. Call the office today or click the online booking feature.