One out of every two Americans age 30 or older has periodontal disease, according to reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This statistic highlights the need for periodontal therapy — the non-surgical and surgical methods that dentists use to combat this oral health problem. Here’s what you should know about treating this common gum disease.  

Understanding Periodontal Therapy

Why Peridontal Therapy Is Necessary

The purpose of periodontal therapy is to return diseased gum tissue to a healthy state. If you have untreated gum disease, it could spread from swollen, infected gums to the bones supporting your teeth. Severe periodontal disease can cause loose teeth and possible tooth loss. Research links gum disease to heart disease and diabetes, notes the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the CDC.

Periodontal Therapy Techniques and Their Benefits

Periodontal therapy techniques include scaling and root planing (SRP). Using ultrasonic devices or hand scalers, dentists remove plaque, a soft, sticky substance, and tartar, which is hardened plaque, from underneath the gum line. An antibiotic may be placed in the patient’s gum to kill any remaining bacteria. These methods control gum disease with little patient discomfort.

In more serious cases, periodontal laser treatment removes infected gum tissue with lasers. This effective method is beneficial because it results in less gum shrinkage and discomfort than traditional surgery. In another technique called gum grafting, dentists use healthy gum tissue from another part of the patient’s mouth to protect tooth roots from exposure after diseased gum tissue is removed. This method encourages healthy gum growth to support the teeth.

Fighting periodontal disease takes a strong partnership between patient and dentist. At Amison Dental Group in Canton, OH, Dr. Brian Amison and his dental team use a variety of periodontal therapy methods to provide the most effective treatment for each patient. Their family dentistry practice is dedicated to giving the personalized care you need and the professionalism you deserve. Make this dentist’s office your partner in excellent oral health. Call (330) 452-2255 today to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their services.