Periodontal Treatment
A periodontal treatment program is recommended for patients with periodontitis. Periodontitis or gum disease is a condition of the gum tissues in the mouth. Infection of the gums can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, halitosis, and there are several other medical issues which are associated with it. Increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are often found in people with gum disease.
As part of the treatment regimen for gingivitis and periodontitis, periodontal cleanings are performed. These are forms of periodontal disease are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Generally adults require periodontal cleanings, but teenagers with poor oral hygiene habits and those eating a diet lacking in sufficient nutrients can also develop gingivitis.
Some patients with untreated periodontitis require a procedure known as scaling and root planing. This cleans plaque and calculus (tartar) from the tooth structure below the gum line, and re-shapes the surface of the tooth so that the gum tissue can heal and re-attach itself to the tooth without the calculus in the way. Most patient do not require this procedure more than once. With a preventive regimen and good home health care the patient can return to periodontal maintenance visits or prophylactic cleanings.
Dr. Murphy likes to focus on preventive care and educating patients about how to maintain excellent oral health. For periodontal maintenance, she uses the Ultrasonic Pro Select cleaning system to clean the deep tissue. She also employs a variety of anesthetics in order to make the visit as comfortable as possible. We have a comprehensive soft tissue management program at Windsor Family Dentists for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease. Though it is not possible to cure this condition, it can be kept under control with regular hygiene visits and good home care.
If you would like to learn more about periodontal disease, please call Windsor Family Dentists today. You can also learn more about periodontitis from the Mayo Clinic: