Periodontal Therapy – Oak Cliff, TX
Protecting More Than Just Your Teeth
When it comes to your oral health, the condition of your gums is just as important as your teeth. Without consistent brushing and flossing, they can develop an infection called periodontal disease. Early symptoms include minor swelling and redness in the gums, but left untreated, it can actually develop into the leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S.! At Kessler Park Dental, we’re committed to keeping our patients protected from this common problem, and we have a multitude of proven therapies to do it. If your gums feel tender or bleed whenever you clean your teeth, be sure to contact us today to get the care you need!
Scaling & Root Planing
If our team is able to catch periodontal disease early enough, then we may be able to fully address it with a special dental cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure is specifically designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup from around the gum line as well as lower a person’s chances of reinfection in the future.
First, an ultrasonic cleaner is used to break up any deposits located below the gum line (scaling), and then the rough surfaces of the teeth’s roots are gently smoothed out (root planing). As a result, plaque is much less likely to gather on them, making it more difficult for periodontal disease to develop in the future.
A complete scaling and root planing treatment can take about one to four appointments to complete depending on the severity of a patient’s infection. While the teeth and gums may feel a little sensitive afterward, most patients report feeling very little discomfort either during or after the procedure.
Antibiotic Therapy
After scaling and root planing, Dr. Martinez may choose to apply a topical antibiotic called Arestin in order to further fight the infection. Placed on the gums, it will quickly harden and then slowly dissolve over the next few days. This allows the powerful medicine to reach and kill even the most deeply hidden bacteria. Once this is completed, Dr. Martinez will recommend that a patient come in for regular dental cleanings a little more frequently to make sure their smile stays healthy and problem-free.
