Fallin Family Dentistry provides periodontal disease treatment in Zachary, LA. To learn more about periodontal disease or schedule an appointment, please call our office at 225-654-2212.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease results from infection and inflammation of the gum tissue that eventually causes tooth loss. Excessive build-up of plaque and tartar causes the condition. Periodontal pockets form between the teeth and gums, partially filling with plaque and tartar. When these substances stay on the teeth, they excrete toxins that loosen the bond between the teeth and gums. Over time, this problem can cause tooth loss.
While many older adults over age 65 suffer from periodontal disease, the condition is becoming more prevalent among younger people due to a lack of proper oral care. Vigilance and quick treatment are necessary if you want to save your teeth.
Diagnosis
Periodontal disease develops over time. It starts with gingivitis, a condition marked with swollen, reddened gums that bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis is reversible with excellent oral care and professional cleaning, but once gingivitis has progressed to periodontal disease, you can only control and not eliminate it.
If you notice any of these advancing symptoms, call us as soon as possible for a periodontal disease evaluation:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Pus along the gum line
- Unexplained bad breath
- Gum recession or gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- More space between teeth
- Change in dental bite
- Change in how partial dentures fit
- Loose teeth
Treatment
Fortunately, Dr. Fallin can treat periodontal disease using procedures like scaling and root planing. Also known as deep dental cleaning, these procedures remove plaque and tartar and allow healthy gums to adhere to the root.
- Scaling: Dentists and trained hygienists perform periodontal scaling with specialized hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler. Dr. Fallin may give you local anesthesia to help you stay comfortable during the procedure.
- Root Planing: This process involves smoothing the tooth's root below the gum line to allow the healthy gum tissue to attach without creating pockets.
- Maintenance: Dr. Fallin will want to do scaling and root planing multiple times per year, with the frequency dependent upon the severity of your condition. Many periodontal patients receive maintenance treatments every three to four months.
Why Choose Fallin Family Dentistry?
At Fallin Family Dentistry, we have created a friendly, non-judgmental environment where all patients feel welcome. Our modern, high-tech practice serves patients of all ages. Dr. Fallin is an expert in treating periodontal disease and helping you save your teeth.
Procedures Offered
Periodontal Maintenance Program
Home care is an extremely important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but even excellent home care cannot prevent bacteria and plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden, becoming calculus. We will recommend a periodontal maintenance program that is best for you based on how quickly you develop calculus and your past and current periodontal health. During your maintenance visits, we will perform an oral examination as well as a dental cleaning.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth’s root after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Arestin®
ARESTIN® is a locally applied antibiotic that delivers minocycline microspheres in the form of a powder. It is placed directly into the infected periodontal pocket at the time of scaling and root planing procedures for easy, targeted treatment. The microspheres adhere to the surrounding surfaces to provide a sustained release of the antibiotic at the site of active infection for effective treatment. It is used in pocket depth reduction and may be used as part of a periodontal maintenance program.
Benefits of ARESTIN® include:
- No local anesthesia required
- No adhesive required
- No dressing required
- No need for removal as the microspheres are completely bioresorbed
- Remains active in the pocket for an extended period of time
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is commonly used to expose more tooth structure, crown lengthening involves the removal of gum tissue and/or bone to expose more of a tooth’s structure.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting treats root exposure resulting from receded gum tissue. Tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth or from gum tissue near the tooth and stitched into the area needing gingival repair.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is the replacement or enhancement of bone around teeth. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone collapses. Bone grafting is performed to reverse bone loss or enhance bone. The bone can be taken from parts of the body or from synthetic material. Bone grafting allows for proper support of dental implants or prostheses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease
If you have any of the following risk factors, ensure that you follow an excellent home care routine and keep all scheduled dental appointments:
- Tobacco use of any kind
- Diabetes or other systemic diseases
- Taking medications like steroids and calcium channel blockers
- Pregnancy
- Misaligned teeth
Call Fallin Family Dentistry
If you have any signs of periodontal disease, take them seriously. When you treat it early, you can control periodontal disease. If you let it get out of control, you may be unable to preserve your teeth. Be vigilant for possible symptoms, and call 225-654-2212 for an appointment.