Periodontal Treatment

Expert Periodontal Treatment For Gum Disease

Understanding Your Options For Restoring Your Oral Health

If you’ve noticed symptoms like tender gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, or bad breath, these could indicate the presence of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is extremely common. Nearly half of all American adults have some form of gum disease, such as gingivitis. 

When it’s left untreated, gum disease can cause permanent damage to your teeth, gums, and jaws. It can even lead to a higher risk of conditions like heart attack and stroke. At Everything Dental, Dr. Lawrence Fischer is here to help with advanced treatment, including LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) with our Periolase dental laser.

What Is Gum Disease? Understanding The Basics

Gum disease happens when the gums are infected by oral bacteria. This is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, though there are some other contributing factors that can make you more likely to develop gum disease.

If you do not brush and floss properly, bacteria-filled plaque and tartar begin to build up between your teeth and gums. Eventually, it will infect your gums and cause them to pull away from the teeth, creating periodontal “pockets” that hold even more bacteria.

The signs and symptoms of gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease is known as “gingivitis.” It has minor symptoms and is reversible if you see a dentist like Dr. Fischer for deep cleanings and any other necessary treatments. Symptoms of gingivitis usually include:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
• Gum tenderness, swelling, and inflammation
• Red or discolored gums
• Bad breath (halitosis)

The signs and symptoms of advanced gum disease

As gum disease progresses, it can no longer be completely reversed and eliminated . However, it can still be managed, and you may be able to avoid the most serious symptoms with proper care from Dr. Fischer at Everything Dental. The symptoms of more advanced gum disease include:

• Deep red or purplish gums
• Gum recession (teeth look longer)
• Deep pockets that form between your teeth and gums
• Pain and discomfort when biting and chewing
• A foul taste in your mouth
• Pus forming between teeth and gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in how your teeth fit together

Gum Disease Causes & Risk Factors

The most common reason for gum disease is inadequate at-home oral hygiene. If you don't brush and floss properly, the buildup of bacteria-filled plaque and tartar makes you much more likely to develop gum disease. 

This is especially true if you do not get routine six-month checkups and teeth cleanings. Teeth cleanings allow the team at Everything Dental to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you simply cannot eliminate on your own, which reduces your risk of gum disease.

However, there are lots of other things that can contribute to your risk of developing gum disease. A few of them include:

• A diet high in sugary and/or starchy foods
• Not drinking enough water
• Genetic factors
• Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
• Advanced age
• High levels of alcohol consumption
• Smoking, vaping, and other types of oral tobacco/nicotine use
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes
• Taking certain medications that may dry out the mouth

Periodontal Treatment Options At Everything Dental

Deep cleaning (scaling & root planing)

For patients with gingivitis or early gum disease, deep cleaning (also called “scaling and root planing”) is the best way to begin treatment. In this procedure, Dr. Fischer will use special tools to clean deeply between your teeth and gums. He will remove bacteria-filled plaque and tartar, then smooth out the bacteria-filled periodontal “pockets” that form between your teeth and gums. This helps prevent bacteria buildup in the future.

Deep cleanings are usually done in two appointments, with half of your mouth cleaned in each appointment. Along with periodontal maintenance and other treatments like antibiotics, this is often enough to stop gum disease from getting worse.

LANAP with Periolase 

For more serious cases of gum disease, Dr. Fischer uses a Periolase dental laser with the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). This is a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional gum flap surgery. In LANAP, Dr. Fischer will use the laser to clean away bacteria and remove damaged tissue from your gums.

This process also stimulates the growth of new gum and jaw bone tissue. In turn, this helps your gums re-attach to your teeth and tissue, which helps your gums re-attach to your teeth. Compared to traditional gum flap surgery, LANAP offers better outcomes, faster treatment times, and a much shorter recovery period.

Periodontal maintenance cleanings

In most cases, patients with gum disease will need to continue visiting Dr. Fischer for periodontal maintenance cleanings every three months. The treatment schedule may vary based on your case. 

This is sort of like a “mini deep cleaning.” During each visit, Dr. Fischer will check on your oral health, make sure your gum disease is under control, and clean between your teeth and gums to remove any bacteria buildup that may have developed since your last cleaning.

Take Control Of Your Oral Health With Periodontal Treatment

If you suspect that you have gum disease and need periodontal care in Charleston, SC, Dr. Lawrence Fischer and the team at Everything Dental are here to help. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely it is that our team can halt or even reverse the progression of gum disease. Give us a call now at (843) 471-1677 or book your consultation online to get started.