Periodontal Treatment – Astoria, NY
The Answer to Detrimental Gum Disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is largely considered one of the most common diseases not just in the United States, but around the world. According to reports studying periodontal disease, severe periodontitis is the sixth most prevalent disease worldwide, affecting 11.2 percent of the population or 743 million people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nearly half of all adults 30 years of age and older have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis.
Periodontitis is the more serious form of gum disease that requires more than just additional cleanings and improved oral hygiene to cure. Our office provides scaling, root planing and antibiotic therapy to help patients treat and manage their condition. If you’re suffering from gum disease, contact our office today to speak with Dr. Eduart Shkurti or one of our knowledgeable team members.
The Signs of Gum Disease
One of the main reasons so many people have gum disease is because of how often it goes undiagnosed. Many people don’t even realize they have gum disease until a dentist tells them, so it’s important to be able to recognize the early signs yourself and commit to regular dental exams before the condition worsens. By catching the disease early, you can prevent irreversible conditions like periodontitis. These symptoms include:
- Tender, swollen, red or bleeding gums (either while brushing, flossing or eating)
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer than usual
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Painful chewing
- Deep periodontal pockets in between teeth
Keep in mind that smoking, skipping your oral care routine and having a diet high in sugars and starches all increase your risk of gum disease. If you carry these habits, it is imperative that you make dramatic changes to reduce the symptoms.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure designed to treat periodontitis and reduce the risk of future infections later. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Dr. Shkurti makes sure to clean the pockets between teeth, preventing plaque and tartar from further inflaming gum tissue. Root planing involves smoothing out the tooth roots in order to promote gum tissue regrowth. The extent of your treatment may take more than one appointment to complete depending on the severity of your gum disease.
Antibiotic Therapy
On top of scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy may be prescribed to reduce the risk of future infections. This therapy is designed to eliminate gum disease-causing bacteria and reduce the deterioration of the tooth’s attachment to bone. The medications used may include chlorhexidine, an antimicrobial used to control plaque and gingivitis. This treatment uses either an oral mouth rinse or gelatin-based material that stays inside the mouth and slowly releases active ingredients for several days at a time. Other antibiotics may be used at Dr. Shkurti’s discretion.
The last thing you should do is put off treatment when you know you have gum disease. Contact our office today to get your gum health back on track!
Laser Periodontal Treatment
Our Astoria, NY, team has always had a strong focus on utilizing technological advancements to benefit our patients. That is why we are proud to use the Epic-10 soft tissue diode laser as part of many periodontal treatment plans. This device contributes to easier, more comfortable, and more precise care that is a valuable aid in the fight against gum disease.
How Laser Periodontal Treatment Works
Often, laser periodontal treatment is not a standalone procedure; it complements other techniques, such as scaling and root planing and antibiotic therapy. The goal is to eliminate harmful bacteria as thoroughly as possible so the gums can heal.
We use the laser to precisely trim away badly infected tissue, leaving behind only the healthy part of the gums. It also effectively kills 99% of bacteria in the treatment area. Traditionally, similar procedures are performed with scalpels, which tend to be less precise and come with a longer healing time afterward.
The Benefits of Laser Periodontal Treatment
Laser periodontal treatment is impressive! Some of its key benefits include:
- Comfortable care: The laser cauterizes the tissue as it cuts, so there is minimal bleeding. Many patients are very comfortable during their procedure with just the aid of local anesthesia.
- Precision: The laser’s precise nature allows us to protect your healthy soft tissues.
- Powerful antibacterial properties: Because the laser actively kills harmful bacteria, it may reduce the chances of future gum-disease flare-ups and lower the risk of treatment-related complications.
- Easier recovery: Laser-based procedures do not require sutures, and many patients report much less post-op discomfort than what is commonly associated with scalpel-based treatments.
Aftercare Tips for Laser Periodontal Treatment
Diligent aftercare can make a world of difference in your attempts to achieve a healthier smile. To facilitate your recovery and support your treatment’s long-term success, you should:
- Get enough rest
- Take over-the-counter pain medication to manage any soreness
- Eat a soft, cool diet to soothe sore or swollen gum tissues
- Avoid crunchy and hard foods
- Keep up with oral hygiene; strive to be gentle but thorough as you clean along the gumline
- Call us if you have questions or experience any unusual symptoms
Most patients feel normal within a week or so of their laser periodontal treatment. (For treatments that use a scalpel, recovery time is typically 2 – 4 weeks.)