Periodontal Therapy

Consider periodontal therapy if you’re one of the more than 45% of American adults with gum disease. At Proud to Smile Dentistry in Bernardsville, New Jersey, Patricia Swaintek-Lamb, DMD, Karima West, RDH, and the team, regularly use periodontal therapy to manage gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. If you’re concerned about gum disease, call the office today to make an appointment or book online.

What is periodontal therapy?

Periodontal therapy is a dental subspecialty that treats gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. 

Without intervention and treatment, gum disease may increase your risk of more serious oral health problems, including tooth loss and bone decay. Periodontal therapy can preserve your smile and ensure optimal oral health. 

Who can benefit from periodontal therapy?

Consider periodontal therapy at Proud to Smile Dentistry if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Tender or bleeding gums

As the condition worsens, you might notice that your teeth don’t fit together when you bite down. 

What are the types of periodontal therapy?

At Proud to Smile Dentistry, Dr. Swaintek-Lamb and the team offer several types of periodontal therapy, including:

Scaling and root planing

Dr. Swaintek-Lamb recommends scaling and root planing if you have mild to moderate gum disease. 

During this procedure, she uses handheld tools or a dental laser to clean bacteria and tartar from beneath your gumline. Then, Dr. Swaintek-Lamb smooths the root surfaces, allowing your gums to reattach to your teeth. 

Antibiotic therapy

More serious infections often require scaling and root planing, and antibiotics. Antibiotics are prescription drugs that eliminate harmful bacteria. These medications come in several forms, including mouthwashes, implantable beads, and topical gels. 

Flap surgery

Once you damage gum tissue, it can’t grow back. If you have severe gum disease, Dr. Swaintek-Lamb might recommend flap surgery. 

During this procedure, she removes a healthy piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitches it over an area of receding gums. Once placed, the flap fuses with your surrounding gum tissue, preventing further damage. 

What type of periodontal therapy will benefit me?

Dr. Swaintek-Lamb reviews your dental records, asks about your symptoms, completes an oral exam, and takes a series of digital X-rays. After determining the extent of your infection, she can make personalized treatment recommendations.

Is there any way to prevent gum disease?

You can’t prevent gum disease entirely, but you can reduce your risk by practicing good oral hygiene. Dr. Swaintek-Lamb and the team recommend brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning.

Call Proud to Smile Dentistry today to request periodontal therapy or book your appointment online.