Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Acre Wood Dental in Waco, TX, we offer comprehensive periodontal treatment to address gum disease and help you maintain optimal oral health. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to significant harm to the gums, bone, and ultimately, tooth loss. While advanced stages of periodontitis are irreversible, early detection and consistent treatment with our team at Acre Wood Dental can help manage the condition and prevent further damage.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease begins with plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria. If plaque isn't removed regularly, it hardens into tartar. Both plaque and tartar irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and infection. This initial stage is called gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
If gingivitis progresses without treatment, it can advance to periodontitis. In this stage, the infection spreads below the gum line, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming "pockets." These pockets become breeding grounds for bacteria, and as the infection deepens, it begins to destroy the bone and connective tissues that support your teeth.
Common symptoms of periodontal disease can include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Changes in your bite
At Acre Wood Dental in Waco, we offer a range of services designed to prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal disease, helping you achieve your healthiest smile possible.
Periodontal Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for detecting gum disease in its early stages. During your routine dental exam, our team will conduct a thorough periodontal examination, gently measuring the pockets around your teeth using a specialized probe to assess gum health and identify any signs of inflammation or bone loss. We'll also check for gum recession and bleeding.
If you have a history of gum disease, even if it's currently under control, we will recommend a more frequent cleaning schedule known as periodontal maintenance. These cleanings are specifically designed to target bacteria in deeper pockets and prevent the return or progression of gum disease symptoms.
Scaling and Root Planing
For our patients diagnosed with periodontitis, scaling and root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure. Often referred to as a "deep cleaning," SRP goes beyond a routine cleaning by addressing plaque and tartar that have accumulated below the gum line.
To perform scaling, our skilled hygienists or dentists will use specialized instruments to meticulously remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gum line, extending down into the periodontal pockets.
After scaling, the root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed in a process called root planing. This helps to remove any remaining toxins and makes it more difficult for bacteria to reattach, encouraging your gums to reattach to the clean, smooth tooth surfaces. This procedure often requires local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. It is typically performed over one or more appointments, depending on the severity of the disease.
Arestin® Antibiotic Treatment
To enhance the effectiveness of scaling and root planing, our team at Acre Wood Dental often utilizes Arestin®, a powerful adjunct therapy. Arestin is a locally administered antibiotic that specifically targets the bacteria responsible for gum disease right at the site of infection.
After the scaling and root planing procedure, Arestin, which comes in the form of tiny microspheres, is precisely placed into the infected gum pockets. Arestin then slowly releases the antibiotic over several days, continuously fighting harmful bacteria. The localized delivery system ensures that the medication reaches the source of the infection directly, providing sustained therapeutic effects.
When used alongside scaling and root planing, Arestin significantly improves results by reducing pocket depth and inflammation, and promoting better gum healing.
Gingivectomy
In some cases, particularly when there is excess or overgrown gum tissue, a gingivectomy may be recommended. This is a common surgical procedure that involves the precise removal of diseased or overgrown gum tissue.
Gingivectomies are highly effective in treating advanced gum disease by eliminating deep gum pockets that are difficult to clean. By removing the diseased tissue, we can reduce bacterial load and create a healthier environment for your gums to heal and reattach to the teeth. Beyond its therapeutic benefits, a gingivectomy can also be used for cosmetic purposes. If you have a "gummy smile," where excess gum tissue makes your teeth appear short or uneven, a gingivectomy can help correct this. Gingivectomies help reshape the gum line to reveal more of your natural tooth structure, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Protect Your Smile with Comprehensive Periodontal Treatment
Early intervention and consistent care are key to managing periodontal disease and protecting your oral health. At Acre Wood Dental in Waco, our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective periodontal treatments.
Achieve your healthiest smile possible with our comprehensive periodontal care! Contact us today to schedule your next visit and take the first step towards healthier gums and a brighter future for your smile.
