Gum Disease Treatment in Charleston, SC

Periodontal TherapyAn Overview

Treating gum disease promptly and effectively is important. Leaving gum disease untreated often leads to additional complex dental concerns, including tooth loss. Charleston dentists Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for all stages of gum disease and can help you restore your oral health with appropriate periodontal therapy.

At West Ashley Family Dentistry, a periodontal screening is part of your routine dental care, enabling our staff to spot developing disease as early as possible for more conservative treatment. Our personalized approach to your care also helps to identify specific risk factors that you may have for gum disease so that we can make recommendations for keeping your gums healthy between visits.

Periodontal therapy is focused on removing harmful bacteria from the gums, often in the form of plaque and tartar. Periodontal therapy also addresses any damage that may have occurred due to advanced gum disease.

Your treatment will be tailored to your needs with the goal of restoring health and function to prevent future infection. Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will evaluate your gums to identify the stage of disease and provide an individualized treatment plan for your smile.

The Importance of Gum Health

The gums play a very important role in your overall oral health as well as having an impact on the aesthetics of your natural smile. Healthy gums support healthy teeth and also serve as a protective barrier for preventing harmful bacteria in the mouth from entering the bloodstream. Poor gum health has been proven to affect overall well-being, raising your risk for cardiovascular and systemic related disease.

There are also certain medical conditions that can compromise gum health, and we can work with you to manage symptoms and prevent the progression of gum disease. Keeping your gums healthy will also improve your ability to manage your condition. We work with patients on an individual basis to help them enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile, including healthy gums.

Periodontal Therapy What to Expect

treatment for gum disease in Charleston South Carolina Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will identify the stage and severity of your existing periodontal disease before recommending appropriate treatment. There are two distinct stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis: Early gum disease that is typically characterized by red, swollen, or irritated gums that may bleed when brushing. Gingivitis can usually be treated conservatively with success to avoid further infection and damage.
Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease can have complex symptoms including receding gums and loose teeth. Depending on the extent of damage or loss of tissue, we may recommend seeing a local periodontist restore gum health.

Gingivitis may be able to be treated and managed with the use of an at-home antibacterial rinse. For gingivitis and early periodontitis, an intense cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing may be recommended.

This non-surgical procedure is a conventional gum disease treatment that removes the accumulated plaque and tartar along the gum line and tooth roots. Along with the at-home use of an antibacterial rinse, this can effectively reverse early gum disease and restore your oral health.

Periodontal Therapy FAQs

Is periodontitis contagious?: No. You can not give someone periodontitis or gum disease through casual contact and kissing. Although, the bacteria that cause gum inflammation and infections can be shared through saliva. If the receiving person has compromised gum tissue and a weak oral health foundation, they are more likely to get an infection.
Is gum disease reversible?: Yes! Gum disease is easily treatable and reversible at the dentist office for most patients. Gingivitis can be managed with a deep cleaning to remove all the harmful bacteria that are causing the inflammatory reaction.
Do I need gum surgery for bleeding gums?: No. Most patients do not need gum surgery to reverse the symptoms of gum disease. Gum surgery is for patients with advanced cases of gingivitis and periodontitis, receding gums, deteriorating soft tissue, and severe infections.
How often should I visit the dentist for gum disease treatment?: Depending on your individual risk factors, the frequency of visits to the dentist for gum disease treatment can vary significantly. Expect to visit your dentist many times a year if you have advanced periodontitis. If you have mild symptoms of gingivitis, two or three visits may suffice. Gum disease is a serious problem that can cause pain, swelling, and even tooth loss. Regular visits to the dentist are essential for catching gum disease early and preventing further damage.
What are the risks associated with periodontal therapy?: While periodontal therapy treatments can be effective in restoring oral health, they can also come with certain risks. These risks may include pain, further infection, bleeding, and even tooth loss. It is important for patients to understand the potential risks associated with periodontal therapy before undergoing the procedure. However, the risks and complications are not common.
Are there any home remedies for gum disease?: Yes, you can take steps to prevent the development of gum disease at home. If you notice that your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth, but do not hurt, you can use a salt-water rinse to help clear out bacteria. Use this daily until your gums stop bleeding. There are no home remedies for advanced gum disease, or periodontitis.

Gum Disease Charleston SC

Periodontal TherapyAn Overview

The Importance of Gum Health

Periodontal Therapy What to Expect

Periodontal Therapy FAQs

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