It is possible that in spite of your best efforts your mouth may require more aggressive gum therapy. Like many other ailments, gum disease can be quite painless due to its slow progression. In periodontal disease the tissue is chronically irritated by bacteria deep below the visible gum-line and needs to be removed so that proper healing can occur.
After a thorough periodontal screening and examination you may need aggressive therapies aimed at eliminating or reducing the amounts of bacterial poisons and plaque accumulating below the gum line, (generally cleaning and polishing of teeth is above the gum-line).
This involves working on the teeth below the gum level, a procedure often called root planing, and possible treatment with site-specific administration of medications to the affected gums including root planing. Root planing is the removal and smoothing of micro-amounts of root surface so that a clean and un-infected surface is presented to the healing lining of soft tissue.
These procedures are generally done simultaneously, may require local anesthesia and are skillfully done by our well trained hygienist Karen under Dr. Amos's prescription.
Gum disease does not happen overnight and treatment generally is spread out over time as the effectiveness of a procedure needs to be assessed before the next takes place. Normally, appointments will be needed on a quarterly basis. Each visit your condition is re-assessed and joint decisions are made about your next step. The services of a specialist (Periodontist) may be required should surgical intervention be required. Often surgery allows for complete healing of the gum and bone, reduced mobility of teeth and a greatly improved prognosis.
Bright Life Dentistry's hygienist Karen will work with you to assure that you have access to the care that best suits your needs. She will also help you hone your home-care skills so that you can maintain the optimum level of health that you want.
One of the most significant advances in dental medicine, a simple DNA test, can now determine the specific type and quantity of disease-causing bacteria in your mouth! We perform Oral DNA tests in our office!
