What Is Periodontal Therapy and How Does It Help?

What Is Periodontal Therapy and How Does It Help?

Gum, or periodontal disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. That’s why your trusted team at Kraklow Family Dentistry offers periodontal therapy tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to treat and manage the condition to help our valued patients maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime!

What Is Periodontal Disease and How Does It Develop?

Periodontal disease is an inflammation and infection of the gums that, in its advanced stages, destroys the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. Its main causes are poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and diet. Other risk factors include family history, hormonal changes during pregnancy, or chronic health conditions, such as diabetes.

What Are the Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Signs of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Even if you don’t have pain but experience any of these symptoms, you should call for an appointment right away. The good news is that gingivitis can be treated successfully and reversed with periodontal therapy coupled with meticulous oral hygiene practices at home.

If left untreated, gingivitis will advance to periodontitis. The gums will begin pulling away from the teeth leaving periodontal pockets which harbor harmful bacteria, leading to devastating effects on the health of the gums and bone in the area.

What Is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is a gum treatment plan designed to maintain your periodontal health and prevent tooth loss. That includes both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. We fully tailor your treatments to your individual needs and resort to the least invasive procedure whenever possible.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

The first line of treatment for periodontal disease is a non-surgical deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar deposits from around and under the gum line and between your teeth. Next is root planing, which involves cleaning out and smoothing the tooth-root surfaces, which encourages the gum tissues to heal and reattach. If, however, the condition is advanced or severe, we may recommend surgical periodontal procedures to restore your oral health.

After treatment, you’ll need follow-up periodontal maintenance appointments every three months. We will clean your teeth during these visits, measure the depth of the periodontal pockets, and evaluate your gum health and recession. An essential component of your periodontal maintenance plan is to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices at home, including regular tooth brushing and flossing. Together, we can prevent the devastating effects of periodontal disease on your oral health.

Periodontal Therapy Near Me

Contact your trusted team at Kraklow Family Dentistry in Waukesha, WI, to learn more about preventing, treating, and managing periodontal disease. You can always count on Dr. Kraklow and her team for the highest level of care and service. Call 262-547-4433 and schedule your appointment or request one online today!