Periodontal Disease Treatments – Scaling and Planing
Another challenge many of our patients in Bastrop deal with is periodontal or gum disease. In its various forms, gum disease is an insidious threat to your oral health because it can progress without you noticing. Gum disease is rarely painful in the initial stages but may cause considerable damage before discovery. But Dr. Smith and his team can discover and address any issues with your gums during routine care.
You've heard of gingivitis, which is the early stages of gum disease. We treat this during your thorough cleaning and work with you to improve your at-home care routine. For many patients, these efforts are sufficient to not only treat gingivitis but to reverse its effects altogether.
Periodontitis is the more advanced form of gum disease. Dr. Smith will likely recommend a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing to help address the impacts of periodontitis. We will ensure your comfort and that your gums are numbed during this treatment. Then, the scaling process removes tartar above and below the gum line, reaching into the gum pockets where bacteria may gather. After scaling, your hygienist will use the planing tools to help smooth out your gums and lessen those bacteria growth problem areas. We may also recommend antibiotic therapy to help fight any renewed bacterial incursion in some cases.
Preventive Dentistry May Include Flouride and Varnish
Fluoride is a mineral that enriches our teeth and can help prevent tooth decay. Flouride targets and bolsters tooth enamel and is widely available in dental health products like toothpaste and mouth rinses. The benefits of fluoride treatments include:
- Remineralilzing tooth enamel
- Stopping minor tooth decay
- Blocking bacterial growth on teeth
We usually recommend fluoride for children with growing teeth who may have more challenges than most adults. However, we may consider these treatments in cases where they can be helpful, even if you're a little older.
We also often recommend dental varnish to keep teeth strong and healthy. This sealant is an advanced plastic that we apply in a thin coating mostly to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This material fills in the rough spots and grooves where bacteria love to congregate. It also acts as a barrier to decay and cavity growth.
These sealants are safe and effective, wearing away slowly over time. Dr. Smith may decide to reapply dental varnish and sealants as needed.