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Gum Disease Therapy – Landrum, SC
Protect Your Oral & Overall Health
Periodontal (gum) disease is actually the most common dental problem in the US, affecting about 50% of the adult population according to the CDC. Early symptoms include red, swollen, and tender gums, but it can easily lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Many studies have also shown it to be a risk factor for diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and even dementia.
At Parkside Dental, we take the health of the gums very seriously, which is why we offer several services specifically designed to find and eliminate the infection as quickly as possible. If your gums are feeling a little more sensitive lately or bleed quite easily, be sure to contact us today so we can provide the care you need!
Why Choose Parkside Dental for Periodontal Disease Treatment?
- Gum screenings at every checkup
- Deep cleanings remove infection at the source
- Kind, friendly, & highly-skilled team
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is incredibly common in America. The Centers for Disease Control reports that about 50% of adults aged 30 and older and about 70% of those 65 and older have some form of gum disease. Unfortunately, this illness can lead to serious oral and overall health consequences if left untreated. Severe gum disease can cause permanent damage such as gum recession, jawbone erosion, and tooth loss as well as dangerous secondary infections like sepsis and pneumonia.
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is inflammation that can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene habits. However, untreated gingivitis will eventually develop into periodontitis, a severe infection that causes permanent damage and must be managed with regular restorative procedures.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Redness or swelling of the gums
- Bleeding during brushing and flossing
- Mild gum recession
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Pain during chewing
- Loose permanent teeth
- Dental sensitivity caused by advanced gum recession
- Changes in bite alignment
- Changes in the fit of restorations like dentures
- Permanent tooth loss
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
The first step to learning the best way to address your gum disease is to schedule a consultation at our office in Landrum. During this appointment, Dr. Moneyhun will carefully evaluate your oral cavity and determine the best way to restore the health of your soft tissues. Based on his findings, he may recommend a treatment like:
Scaling & Root Planing
After determining that a patient has gum disease, we will recommend that they undergo a scaling and root planing treatment. Think of it as a dental cleaning that is specifically focused on the gums and roots of the teeth. First, an ultrasonic cleaner will remove any plaque and bacteria buildup from around the gum line (scaling) and then the rough surfaces of the teeth’s roots will be gently smoothed out (root planing). This makes plaque less likely to gather on the gums in the future, lowering a patient’s chances of reinfection.
Arestin® Antibiotic Therapy
After a patient has undergone a periodontal cleaning, we may choose to apply a topical antibiotic to get rid of any remaining bacteria located deep beneath the gums. Arestin is a powder-like substance that is actually made up of thousands of microspheres, each one filled with a powerful medicine. Once on the gums, the spheres will slowly dissolve, enabling the medicine to reach any hidden bacteria. After this process is finished, we’ll recommend that a patient come to see us more often for regular dental cleanings to prevent the infection from coming back.
