Periodontal (Gum) Therapy – Jupiter, FL

Why Choose Our Dental Office for Periodontal Therapy?

• Thorough periodontal screenings performed at every checkup
• Fast, precise, & gentle laser gum therapy
• Specialty cleanings performed by expert hygiene team

Scaling & Root Planing

Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque along the gum line and on the roots of the teeth, usually as a result of a lack of oral hygiene. Scaling and root planing is a type of cleaning specifically designed to remove these harmful deposits and tackle the infection at its source.

First, an ultrasonic cleaner is used to break up any plaque deposits beneath the gums (scaling), and then the roots of the teeth are gently reshaped and smoothed out. This will make plaque less likely to gather on them in the future, lowering a person’s risk for reinfection.

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Antibiotic Therapy

There are small spaces located between your teeth and gums called periodontal pockets, and these areas are primarily where periodontal disease bacteria like to accumulate and multiply. They are very hard to clean conventionally, which is where antibiotic therapy can help. For this, we apply a topical antibiotic directly to the gums where it quickly dries. Then, over the course of the next week, it slowly dissolves, allowing a powerful medicine to seep down and kill even the deepest hidden bacteria.

Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry

Laser gum therapy enables our team to eliminate harmful bacteria from along the gum line without irritating the gums themselves. Our soft tissue laser’s beam of light is able to instantly vaporize bacteria, and at the same time, it actually sanitizes the treatment area and cauterizes blood vessels. As a result, a patient experiences little to no discomfort, bleeding, or swelling during or after the procedure. The instrument itself emits very little heat, sound, and vibration as well, making it easy for patients to stay relaxed.

What Is Soft Tissue Laser Therapy?

Using a soft tissue laser, we can direct the highly concentrated beam of light energy to the diseased tissue. This method is effective at killing over 99% of bacteria while leaving the healthy areas untouched. Ultimately, this is a way to sterilize your gums to reduce the risk of infection. Because the laser cauterizes the tissue as it goes, you are much less likely to experience post-operative bleeding. This encourages a quick, comfortable recovery.

Am I a Candidate for Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry?

Soft tissue laser therapy is used for patients who are suffering from moderate to severe gum disease. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you have:

• Periodontal pocket depths that are deeper than 4mm.
• Pockets that keep breaking down during treatment.
• Suffer from gingival overgrowth.

To find out if soft tissue laser dentistry is right for you, schedule an appointment with us. This way, we can examine your smile and put together a treatment plan that is right for you.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry provides a long list of advantages. Here are just some of the ones that you can experience:

• Effective Treatment: Soft tissue laser dentistry kills 99.9% of bacteria and it leaves the healthy tissue in your mouth untouched.
• Comfortable Treatment: There are no scalpels or sutures involved with this treatment, so it is less invasive than traditional treatment options. This means that there is minimal discomfort and minimal bleeding.
• Easier Recovery: The laser cauterizes the tissue as it goes. Ultimately, you have a lower risk of infection, reduced exposed tooth roots, less sensitivity, and a more comfortable recovery period after your procedure.

Periodontal Therapy FAQs

Because periodontal disease is so common in the United States, it’s important that you recognize the signs and symptoms before it’s too late. Fortunately, attending regular dental checkups can help us diagnose the problem before serious damage is done to your oral health. However, you probably have a few further questions about the condition. That’s why we’ve decided to answer some of our most frequently asked questions about gum disease.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

Gingivitis, or the early stage of gum disease, is often marked by symptoms such as bleeding gums (especially when brushing or flossing) and gums that are red, tender, or sensitive. You might experience some light bleeding when eating crunchy or hard foods. If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, give us a call so we can determine whether you need gum disease therapy in Jupiter.

If gingivitis isn’t treated in a timely manner, gum disease may progress to the next stage, known as periodontitis. This stage results in more severe symptoms, like large pockets between your gums and teeth, pus seeping out from your gums, persistent bad breath, a foul taste in your mouth, and even loose teeth. Periodontitis needs to be treated as soon as possible to avoid dire consequences.  

What Happens If I Don’t Get My Gum Disease Treated?

Without treatment, the bacteria that cause gum disease can attack the structures that keep your teeth firmly rooted in your gums, resulting in tooth loss. In some cases, the infection could even spread to other parts of your body. Some studies have indicated that gum disease can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular problems or diabetes-related complications.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush, floss, or attend dental cleanings as often as you should, plaque builds up along your gumline and between your teeth. Bacteria in plaque then infect and irritate your gums, causing inflammation.

Other factors that can contribute to gum disease include tobacco use (both smoking and chewing), consuming a high-sugar diet, genetics, age, and underlying conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

Brushing and flossing on a daily basis can prevent plaque from accumulating and harming your gum tissue. See one of our dentists twice a year, or once every six months, for a checkup and cleaning. Not only can we clean plaque out of your mouth at these appointments, but we can detect early signs of gum disease and stop it in its tracks. If you currently smoke or chew tobacco, we strongly suggest quitting, and can provide you with resources to help you kick the habit. Lastly, follow our dentists’ recommendations for how to take care of your unique oral health.