Periodontal Therapy

Mineral Wells, Texas

Our Services

Healthy gums not only keep you smiling your best but can also impact your health and overall well-being. At Dickerson Family Dental, we offer comprehensive periodontal care to prevent the devastating impacts of periodontal disease on your gums and teeth. We look forward to helping you get your smile back on track.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a preventable, chronic condition that is today’s number one cause of tooth loss in adults. It typically starts with gingivitis, which is characterized by swollen gums that bleed easily. Periodontal disease usually results from poor brushing and flossing habits that result in plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, building up and hardening to tartar. This irritates the gums, leading to inflammation.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth. This results in gum recession and the creation of spaces known as pockets, which are prone to infection. As the condition advances, periodontal disease can break down the bone and connective tissues holding the teeth in place, leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.

What Are the Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease?

The following are the most common warning signs of periodontal disease:

Red, swollen, and tender gums
Gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss
Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve
Pain when you bite or chew
Tooth sensitivity that lingers
Receding gums that make the teeth look longer
Loose teeth in the advanced stages

Understanding the Mouth and Body Connection

Inflamed, bleeding gums provide a direct pathway for harmful oral bacteria into the bloodstream, wreaking havoc on a patient’s health. Studies show a link between periodontal disease and health conditions that include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory problems, stroke, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Keeping your mouth healthy can lower the risk of a host of chronic health concerns.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Dr. Dickerson may recommend the following periodontal disease treatments:

Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. It also smooths the tooth root surfaces, promoting healing and encouraging the gums to reattach to the clean tooth surfaces. Scaling and root planing have been shown to reverse gingivitis and prevent the progression of periodontal disease.

Laser Therapy: Dr. Dickerson may recommend laser therapy alongside scaling and root planing. Our state-of-the-art dental laser uses specific wavelengths of light to eradicate bacteria below the gum line, decontaminating the gingival pockets. Laser therapy has been proven to reduce bleeding, gum inflammation, recession, and tooth loss.

ARESTIN: ARESTIN is an antibiotic treatment we may recommend after scaling and root planing. It involves placing an antibiotic powder into your gum pockets, where it is gradually released over time, eliminating the gum disease-causing bacteria. ARESTIN can help reduce inflammation, gum recession, and the risk of tooth loss.

Periodontal Maintenance: After gum disease treatment, you’ll need regular periodontal maintenance visits every 3-4 months. We perform thorough dental cleanings, evaluate your gum health, and intervene, as necessary, to address any new concerns. It is critical that you brush and floss regularly to keep your gums as healthy as possible.