When it comes to treating gum disease, there really isn’t a “one size fits all” solution. Gum disease has multiple stages, and it can impact each patient differently.  Therefore, your dental professional will need to create a custom treatment plan just for you, and sometimes multiple strategies and treatments are needed for success. The specific treatments required ultimately depend on the severity of the disease, your age and health, and whether or not you are at risk for tooth loss.

At Ormond Beach Periodontics, we offer a multitude of services and solutions that can help combat gum disease. When you visit our office, Dr. Beauchamp will conduct a thorough examination to determine the severity of your gum disease and will discuss these various treatments. Below are some of the most common ways we treat gum disease in our office:

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal Therapy is often the first line of defense when it comes to gum disease treatment. You can think of it as a “deep cleaning” of the gums and teeth. Your standard dental cleaning from the dentist typically can’t reach the plaque that has accumulated beneath the gum line, so special tools are needed to eliminate that hard-to-reach tartar. Periodontal therapy typically involves three strategies:

• Scaling is when your periodontist uses a vibrating metal tip to chip tartar from your teeth and gumline, while a scaler will be used to scrape any remaining pieces.
• Root planing is the process of smoothing the tooth in such a way that allows the gums to easily reattach. It involves a tool that lightly moves your gum tissue to expose the roots. Then, tools are used to chip away the tartar and smooth over the surface.
• Medication – Antibiotic gels may also be applied and prescribed to reduce bacteria underneath the gums. After scaling and root planing, your periodontist will apply the gel between treatment pockets to eliminate any remaining bacteria and prevent reinfection.

Periodontal therapy is often ideal for early-stage gum disease and Gingivitis. Some patients worry about pain and discomfort; however, this procedure is non-invasive and pain can be easily managed with a local anesthetic. You’ll typically remain awake for periodontal therapy, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.

Gum Recession Care

Your gums are some of the most important tissues in the body. Not only do they hold your teeth in place, but their condition can impact your overall health. Gum disease not only inflames your gums, but it can also cause them to recede. This unfortunately can result in additional accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, while leaving your teeth and bones exposed. Gum recession can compound oral health problems, and it can also be painful.

Gum recession can’t be reversed, but professional care and improved oral hygiene can stop it from getting worse. Your periodontist will conduct a thorough cleaning and may also prescribe antibiotics and a special mouthwash to slow down or stop the recession.

Laser Periodontal Treatment (LANAP)

Gum flap surgery and other traditional treatments for gum disease are invasive and uncomfortable. Ormond Beach Perio offers a less painful alternative — Laser Periodontal Treatment, also known as LANAP. This procedure leverages a laser to eliminate and sterilize diseased gum tissue. There is less pain, less bleeding, and a much faster recovery (1 to 2 days). You won’t have to worry about stitches and bleeding, and you’ll be able to get right back to your daily routine. Patients who are nervous about the idea of traditional gum disease treatment often prefer LANAP and choose it if their diagnosis allows for this option.

Periodontal Maintenance

Treating gum disease isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. A combination of improved oral hygiene, periodontal treatment, and ongoing periodontal maintenance is required to keep the inflammation away. Ormond Beach Perio will help you establish regular appointments for periodontal maintenance to ensure bacteria doesn’t redevelop in your gum pockets. Ongoing care will give you the best chance of restoring your gum health and preventing tooth loss.

Why You Should Choose Ormond Beach Perio For Your Gum Disease Care

If you’re suffering from periodontitis, don’t delay treatment any longer. Dr. Beauchamp at Ormond Beach Periodontics has been successfully treating moderate to severe cases of gum disease for decades. In addition to our wide range of treatment options, we also offer sedation dentistry and other methods for minimizing pain and ensuring you’re comfortable throughout each procedure.

We don’t just treat gum disease. We take the time to teach you all about good oral hygiene and the connection between oral health and overall health, so you can live a long, healthy, and happy life. Schedule your consultation today.