Believe it or not, approximately half of all Americans over age 30 have some form of gum disease. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissues. Gum disease can result in increased cavities, bad breath, lost teeth, and even cardiovascular and respiratory problems. People who live with diabetes need to be especially mindful when it comes to the health of their gums. Dr. Kelly Halle-Brown, offers periodontal disease treatment in Quakertown, PA, to keep your smile healthy.
Signs of Gum Disease
If your gums are swollen, red, or tender, or if your gums bleed easily, you may have periodontal disease. Other common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bad breath
- Irritated and sensitive gums
- Pain when biting and chewing
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
Please get in touch with our office if you notice any of these symptoms. Dr. Halle-Brown will examine your smile and take your symptoms into account to recommend the right treatment.
Gum Disease in Quakertown, PA
The treatment for gum disease is based on your specific needs. Depending on the severity of the condition, our dentist may recommend additional professional dental cleanings, improved at-home oral hygiene, antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), or gum surgery. We strive to help you restore your oral health and halt the progress of the disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are one of the most common and effective treatments recommended for gum disease before it becomes severe. The scaling and root planing treatment may be split up into several appointments, in which we treat one section of the mouth at each appointment.
During scaling, we remove plaque and tartar (dental calculus) from the tooth surface. Root planing involves cleaning the roots of the teeth and smoothing them to remove bacterial toxins.
The goals of scaling and root planing are to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar and to halt the progress of the disease. Scaling and root planing may be combined with antibiotic treatment. For most patients, scaling and root planing are enough to prevent periodontal disease from progressing further.
Arestin
We use Arestin in combination with scaling and root planing to provide effective periodontal therapy, especially for patients who already have gum pockets. Patients experience deep gum pockets as the gums pull away from the teeth. After scaling and root planing treatments, we place Arestin in the gum pockets directly at the site of the gum infection.
Arestin is an antibiotic that helps fight the harmful bacteria that break down the gum tissue. Using Arestin with deep cleaning treatments and continuing to brush and floss daily can help combat gum disease.
Laser Treatment
We can perform a gingivectomy or gum contouring with dental lasers. While removing the gum tissue can be a cosmetic treatment, we can also remove infected gum tissue for patients with gum disease. Dental lasers offer a quiet and comfortable alternative to traditional oral surgery. When we use dental lasers, we can target infected tissue without affecting the surrounding tissue.
Improve Your Gum Health
Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Are your gums sensitive? You may have gum disease. Contact Dr. Halle-Brown for treatment today at (215) 876-0543. You can also schedule a dental appointment online.