Periodontal treatment focuses on combating gum disease, a potentially serious infection that damages the gums and can spread to the teeth’s support structures if left untreated. Gum disease typically begins as gingivitis, characterized by inflammation due to plaque buildup along the gumline. Without proper care, this develops into periodontitis, which can have severe complications, including tooth loss.
Periodontal treatment begins with a dentist or periodontist's thorough assessment of the strength and structure of a person’s gums. In the event of mild gum disease (gingivitis), scaling and root planing (often called a “deep cleaning”) is a common non-surgical treatment. During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gumline, and dental roots are smoothed to prevent further bacterial buildup.
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to control infection. For more advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical intervention may be necessary. One such intervention is “flap surgery,” in which a dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth roots below the gumline. In cases in which gum tissue or the underlying jawbone has deteriorated, bone grafts and tissue regeneration can be a good restorative option.
Effective, Pain-Free Periodontal Treatment in Centerville, OH
If you're looking for a dentist in Centerville to help you maintain optimal periodontal health by treating gum disease in its earliest stages or preventing it altogether, contact Dr. Linty John-Varghese and the excellent Ohio Holistic Dental Center team to schedule a consultation!