At Acre Wood Dental in Temple, we emphasize the critical importance of healthy gums as the foundation for a healthy smile and overall well-being. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a prevalent condition ranging from mild inflammation to severe infection that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
When plaque and tartar accumulate, they irritate the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. If this progresses, the infection can spread beneath the gumline, destroying the bone and tissues that support your teeth. Our comprehensive periodontal treatment focuses on diagnosing, managing, and preventing the progression of gum disease, preserving your teeth, and protecting your systemic health.
Periodontal Evaluations
Our approach to periodontal treatment begins with thorough evaluations by our dental team, including precise measurements of gum pockets and assessment of bone health. For the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), enhanced professional cleanings are often sufficient to reverse the condition. However, if the disease has advanced to periodontitis, a more intensive cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing is performed. This deep cleaning carefully removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and allowing your gums to heal.
Why Seek Periodontal Treatment?
Ignoring the signs of gum disease can lead to serious consequences, including chronic bad breath, painful chewing, tooth mobility, and ultimately, tooth loss. Furthermore, research increasingly links periodontal disease to systemic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
Our top periodontal treatments in Temple, TX include:
Arestin for Periodontitis
To provide the most effective treatment for periodontitis (gum disease) at Acre Wood Dental in Temple, we often enhance traditional scaling and root planing with targeted antibiotic therapy. One powerful option we use is Arestin, a unique antibiotic medication applied directly into the infected gum pockets right after a deep cleaning. This treatment comes as tiny, spherical particles that stick to your gum tissue and slowly release the antibiotic minocycline over several days. This steady, direct release targets the harmful bacteria causing periodontitis, killing them off and helping to reduce inflammation and pocket depth. By combining Arestin with mechanical cleaning, we boost the healing process, helping your gums reattach more firmly to your teeth and significantly improving your gum health. This localized treatment also minimizes the body-wide side effects sometimes associated with oral antibiotics, making it a safe and highly effective addition to managing chronic gum disease and keeping your periodontal health strong.
Gingivectomies
For our patients experiencing issues like a "gummy smile" or pockets caused by gum disease, Acre Wood Dental in Temple offers gingivectomies, a precise and effective periodontal procedure. A gingivectomy is the surgical removal of excess gum tissue, often performed to recontour the gum line, expose more of the natural tooth structure, or eliminate deep periodontal pockets that are difficult to clean. In cases of advanced gum disease, these pockets can harbor bacteria, leading to further infection and bone loss.
By carefully removing the diseased or overgrown tissue, our dentists can reduce pocket depth, making it easier for you to maintain proper oral hygiene and preventing the progression of gum disease.
For cosmetic purposes, a gingivectomy can create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing gum line, revealing more of your tooth and enhancing your smile's overall appearance. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia for your comfort, and while some tenderness may occur afterward, the results contribute significantly to both the health and beauty of your smile.
Periodontal Care for a Healthier Smile
At Acre Wood Dental, our dedicated team is committed to providing gentle, effective periodontal care, designed to restore your gum health and promote your healthiest smile. If you've noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or any signs of gum disease, don't wait. We invite you to schedule a periodontal consultation at Acre Wood Dental in Temple today. Contact us today to take the first step towards healthy gums and a lasting, confident smile!
