Gum Disease Treatment – Novi, MI
Restoring the Health of Gums
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gum disease is estimated to impact one out of every two adults. Even though this oral health issue is so common, it’s important to take it seriously because it can cause the foundation of your smile to deteriorate if left unaddressed. At JMG Dentistry Family and Cosmetic Care, we aim to spot the early signs of gum disease to treat and reverse the symptoms; however, we also offer gum disease treatment in our Novi, MI dental office to manage the health of gums and keep the disease from becoming worse.
Why Choose JMG Dentistry Family and Cosmetic Care for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation Available
- Trustworthy & Honest Dentistry
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-step process that typically takes place over the course of two visits with Dr. Geller and our team. During the first step, we’ll clear all plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth as far down as the gumline to minimize the number of harmful bacteria within your mouth. Then, we’ll smooth out the surface of the roots of the teeth to allow the gum tissue to reconnect to them and offer better protection. The goal of this treatment is to reverse and minimize any adverse effects of gum disease.
Do You Need Scaling & Root Planing?
If you are unsure whether you need scaling and root planing, it’s always safest to schedule an appointment with your dentist. With a general checkup, they can determine if you are in the early stages – gingivitis – or if the infection has spread and is now periodontitis.
However, before you see your dentist, you may find it helpful to know what symptoms to look for that indicate there is a serious oral health problem that needs to be addressed. These include:
- Bleeding gums
- Inflamed and tender gums
- Gums that appear red instead of pink
- Gum recession (teeth that appear longer than usual)
- Bad breath or halitosis
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- A change in your bite
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling is the first part of the procedure. It involves removing plaque and tartar with special instruments from your teeth and around your gumline. This includes working above and below the tissue to effectively remove bacterial buildup.
After scaling is finished, we’ll move on to root planing. This requires smoothing and reshaping your tooth roots so that bacteria are unlikely to form in the future. This also encourages proper healing and reattachment of your gums to your teeth over time.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Once we are done with scaling and root planing, you will need to take proper care of your mouth when you return home. This means not eating anything until the anesthesia wears off. You may feel some discomfort, so you can rinse with warm saltwater every few hours, as this will also encourage healing. You are encouraged to brush your teeth normally so that harmful bacteria do not accumulate, just be careful around the treated site.
Antibiotic Treatment
Alongside scaling and root planing, Dr. Geller may also recommend antibiotic therapy. We may use Arestin microspheres that target the origin of the infection in the pockets of the gums by gradually releasing antibiotics over a couple of weeks, or Atridox, which is an antibiotic that can be administered in liquid, capsule, or tablet form. This will help fight off the harmful oral bacteria that are causing gum disease symptoms and could lead to additional damage if left unchecked.
What Is Antibiotic Treatment?
Antibiotic therapy is a kind of treatment method that utilizes specific medications to target and fight off harmful bacteria that can raise the risk of gum disease. When done properly, this approach can help minimize inflammation, boost oral hygiene, and protect against further damage to your gums and connective tissues that support your teeth.
Antibiotics are prescribed in various forms, including pills, mouthwash, or an injection in the infected area. It’s essential that you follow your dentist’s instructions on dosage and that you complete the entire course of treatment so that you guarantee optimal efficiency and reduced risk of antibiotic resistance.
Why Combine Antibiotic Treatment with Scaling & Root Planing?
While scaling and root planing are incredibly effective at fighting gum disease, it’s sometimes possible for bacteria to come back some time after the treatment is performed. By combining Arestin into the treatment plan, our team can remove and keep infection at bay long term, as the antibiotic will be applied over time. Not only does this make it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate in the pockets again, but it also allows your gum tissue more time to recover.
Benefits of Antibiotic Treatment
With antibiotic treatment, you can expect a wide range of benefits, including:
- Easy and safe to apply
- Solution can reach areas in the gum pockets that mechanical cleaning cannot, such as the bloodstream via antibiotic tablets
- Treats the infection and minimizes symptoms
- Keeps infection from spreading throughout your mouth and body, as gum disease can potentially move to the jawbone and even the bloodstream if not treated
- Helps avoid recurrence as it eliminates the number of bacteria that lead to periodontitis
- Involves minimal side effects for the majority of patients
- Improves the effectiveness of other treatments, like scaling and root planing