Periodontal Therapy – Conway, SC
Giving Your Smile a Healthy Foundation
Believe it or not, you can’t have a healthy smile without healthy gums. Your teeth may be white and cavity free, but if your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding, it could point to gum disease. This inflammatory condition, also called periodontal disease, may not seem like a big deal at first, but without treatment, it ultimately leads to tooth loss and even serious medical issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more. If you think you may have gum disease, contact our team at American Dental care to schedule an appointment with Dr. Murph for periodontal thearpy in Conway, SC.
Why Choose American Dental Care for Periodontal Therapy?
- Soft Tissue Laser for More Comfortable Treatment
- Over 25 Years of Dentistry Experience
- Saturday Appointments Available
Scaling & Root Planing
If gum disease has advanced to the point where a routine cleaning won’t resolve the problem, we will perform scaling and root planing. Scaling involves going beneath the gum surface to remove deep pockets of trapped plaque and bacteria. Then, we smooth out the rough surfaces on the tooth (root planing), helping with both gum tissue reattachment and protection against future reinfection. Depending on the severity of the infection, we may need to repeat these procedures about every three to four months until we are confident that the harmful bacteria are under control.
Splinting
If gum disease is allowed to continue developing, the gums recede from the teeth, and the infection can spread to the bone and supporting tissues. As a result, teeth can become loose or even come out completely. To stabilize your teeth while we treat your gum disease, we may use a splint or a device that attaches weak teeth together. That way, they stay more firmly in place, and you can keep more of your natural smile intact.
Bone Grafting
In advanced periodontal disease, the jaw bone can become infected and weakened. In order to provide enough support for your teeth or even dental implants, this bone needs to be reinforced. Depending on the extent of the damage, Dr. Murph may recommend a bone graft, which is a common procedure that often needs to be completed before placing dental implants. The best part is that Dr. Murph has the necessary skills to perform bone grafts right here in our Conway dental office.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
At American Dental Care, our team can utilize a Biolase soft tissue laser to provide reliable and minimally invasive periodontal treatment to ensure patients can enjoy healthier gums. Unchecked bacteria in the gum line can lead to the spread of bacteria, which can even increase the risk of various complications, including bone and tissue loss, diabetes, and heart disease. We can evaluate your situation and discuss in detail whether you’re a good candidate for laser periodontal treatment.
How Laser Periodontal Treatment Works
Also known as “laser therapy,” this procedure involves the use of a specialized laser that is designed to emit a concentrated beam of light that can safely and effectively remove bacteria from the pockets surrounding the teeth as well as infected gum tissue. The energy is absorbed by inflamed tissues and bacteria, resulting in them being vaporized or eliminated. By using the Biolase soft tissue laser, we can get rid of disease in the gum line while sterilizing the area, allowing your smile to heal more efficiently. Of course, our team will first completely numb your mouth with a local anesthetic before starting any work, that way you can undergo a smooth and pain-free process.
The Benefits of Laser Periodontal Treatment
With laser periodontal treatment, you can expect to appreciate a wide range of advantages regarding treating your gum line, such as:
- Minimally invasive: The laser is accurate and only meant to target diseased gum tissue, meaning any healthy tissue is left unaffected.
- Fast healing period: Since this procedure doesn’t involve the need for scalpels, patients can expect a swift recovery after finishing the treatment.
- Reduced chance of infection: The laser will remove bacteria as well as sterilize the area in the gums, meaning you won’t have to worry too much about the risk of infection afterward.
- Lower need for antibiotics: Due to the sterilization of the area via the laser, you also will likely not need antibiotics for your recovery process.
Aftercare Tips for Laser Periodontal Treatment
Although laser periodontal treatment allows you to expect a more efficient healing period, you’ll still need to take the proper measures to ensure a good recovery. To help your gums stay healthy and comfortable, here are several aftercare tips to follow:
- Stick to soft, nutritious foods
- Refrain from eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
- Avoid spicy and hot meals
- Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss before bed or after every meal
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine dental checkups and cleanings