What’s Involved With Periodontal Therapy?  

When you have periodontal disease, certain measures need to be taken in order to help prevent the loss of permanent teeth. Periodontal therapy therapy in La Grange, KY involves a treatment that assists in managing and treating the underlying periodontal disease. The goal is to help the gums and supporting tooth structures to heal. There are several steps involved in periodontal therapy, including:

Comprehensive Dental Exam

First, your dentist will conduct a dental examination in order to assess the situation. This will aid the dentist in determining the stage of periodontal disease, as well as help to formulate a precise treatment program regarding the periodontal therapy that is needed.

Scaling

Tartar buildup is one of the major contributors to periodontal disease, so it must be removed first. An experienced dental hygienist will perform this step, which removes tartar both above and below the gum line. This may be accomplished through a combination of hand tools and ultrasonic dental devices.

Root Planing

In periodontal disease, the roots of the teeth are often attached by bacteria, leaving behind toxins and a rough surface that makes it even easier for bacteria to thrive beneath the gum line. In root planing, the surface of the tooth root is planed and smoothed. This helps to eliminate existing bacteria and makes it more difficult for future bacteria to colonize.

Antibiotics

Oral bacteria generally responds to antibiotic treatment, so a course of antibiotics is typically prescribed in periodontal therapy. This helps to get the bacterial infection under control and aids in reducing gum inflammation. Oral antibiotics may come in the form of tablets, rinses or oral gels.

The final stage in periodontal therapy involves at home oral health care and follow-up visits with your dentist in La Grange, KY. With early detection and periodontal therapy, your adult permanent teeth might be saved. Contact us to learn more about periodontal therapy services or to book your appointment today.