Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal treatment prevents gingivitis and periodontitis from causing lasting damage to your oral health. At Pointer Ridge Dental Care in Bowie, Maryland, general dentist Shila Yazdani, DDS, MBA, and the team offer several types of periodontal treatment, including deep cleanings, laser therapy, and antibiotics. Call Pointer Ridge Dental Care to schedule periodontal treatment today or book your appointment online. 

Should I undergo periodontal treatment if my gums are red and irritated?

You might benefit from periodontal treatment at Pointer Ridge Dental Care if you have red, swollen, or irritated gums. Periodontal treatment uses patient education, preventive dentistry, and minimally invasive treatments to remove plaque buildup, eliminate harmful bacteria, and improve your oral health.

What symptoms indicate the need for periodontal treatment?

Schedule periodontal treatment at Pointer Ridge Dental Care if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing
• Painful chewing
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth

As gum disease worsens, you might notice changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite. 

What are the types of periodontal treatment?

The Pointer Ridge Dental Care team offers several types of periodontal treatment, including the following:

Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)

Mild and moderate gum disease typically improves with scaling and root planing. During this procedure, your dentist removes plaque –– a film of food particles, saliva, and bacteria –– from beneath your gums. Afterward, they smooth the base of your teeth, allowing your gums to reattach.

Laser periodontal therapy

Laser periodontal therapy uses targeted light energy to remove plaque and eliminate harmful bacteria. Laser therapy is noninvasive and increases blood flow to your gums. This reduces inflammation and speeds up your healing process. 

Antibiotics

Severe cases of gum disease often require antibiotic treatment to stop the infection from worsening. Depending on your needs, the team might recommend oral antibiotics or implantable antibiotic beads. 

Improved dental hygiene

Improved gum health starts with good oral hygiene. After treating the infection, the Pointer Ridge Dental Care team explains how to keep your gums in optimal condition. That includes brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the office every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

Most people with gum disease benefit from at least two treatments. 

How long does it take for gum disease to heal?

The time it takes for gum disease to heal depends on the severity of your infection and your commitment to the team’s treatment plan. Mild and moderate gum disease often improves within two weeks of treatment, but severe cases may take four 4-6 weeks or longer.*

Call Pointer Ridge Dental Care today to schedule periodontal treatment, or book your visit online.

*Individual results may vary.