Periodontal disease is a severe type of gum disease that, in many cases, can be prevented. If steps are taken to treat gingivitis while still in its early stages, it is unlikely that it will progress to periodontal disease. Here are some interventions your dentist in Ballantyne may recommend to manage your periodontal disease so that you can regain optimal oral health.
Oral Antibiotic Therapy
Periodontal disease is typically caused by bacterial infections and inflammation. The inflammation affects the bones that support and surround your teeth, and if this condition is not identified and treated early on, your risk for tooth loss rises. Your dentist in Ballantyne may recommend a course of oral antibiotics to eliminate your infection so that the healing process can begin. It is important to note that if you have an infection, you may need to complete your entire course of antibiotics before any periodontal treatments can begin. This is to help prevent the spread of oral bacteria to other parts of your body.
Special Deep Cleaning Treatment
While seeing your dentist regularly for traditional teeth cleanings is important, you may need to augment those visits with occasional deep cleaning treatments. These are called scaling and root planing treatments and are done to remove tartar from your teeth and under your gum line. In addition, the roots of your teeth will be smoothened which will help your gums reattach themselves to your teeth. Periodontal disease can cause significant gum retraction and periodontal pockets that can cause your gums to retract, or pull away from your teeth.
