Periodontal treatment is one of our services at Summit Pointe Dental in Jackson, MI. For those unfamiliar with the term, periodontal disease is a gum disease that damages the tissues supporting teeth and holding them in place. Treating periodontal disease as soon as possible is important to prevent damage to the jawbones.
There are many treatments available for periodontitis. Some of these are more invasive than others. We’ll also give you tips on preventing it from happening or recurring in the future. Keeping your teeth and dental health in the best shape possible is one of our major goals at Summit Pointe Dental.
We have several means of treating periodontal disease, and the kind we choose will depend on how bad the problem is. Removing built-up plaque and tartar is something we almost always start with. Plaque and tartar contain bacteria and are often the cause of the infection. Removing them lowers the bacterial load, and the infection can sometimes cease.
We might also have to use antibiotics to clear the infection. Topical antibiotics are preferred because they’re present in the mouth in high concentrations and don’t have systemic side effects. In severe cases, however, systemic antibiotics might be required.
Surgery might be required for patients with periodontitis so severe that serious damage to the gums and bones occurs.
Preventing periodontal disease is easy and is based on good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth and flossing can prevent bacterial build-up. Additionally, people are advised to visit the dentist twice a year to get their teeth cleaned up and prevent any early infection before it progresses.
Smoking can lower the body’s immunity, especially that of the mouth. Your dental health and oral hygiene will improve by cutting back or quitting smoking. Preventing periodontal disease and the potential damage it can cause is easier, more comfortable, and less time-consuming than treating the problem after it happens.
At Summit Pointe Dental, our team is dedicated to your dental health. We will always give you advice on keeping your teeth in great shape.