Periodontal Treatment – Auburn, ME
Stop Gum Disease In Its Early Stages
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is the leading cause of adult tooth loss here in the United States, as well as one of the most common health disorders period on the planet. This infection often goes unnoticed in its earliest stages because the symptoms are very minor, such as light bleeding following brushing and flossing and oral tissue that appears puffy or redder in color.
At Willow Run Dental Association, our team strives to identify and treat gum disease in the earliest stages possible for the sake of our patients’ continuing wellbeing. That’s why periodontal screenings are an essential part of every dental checkup and cleaning. If we do discover worrisome signs of an infection, dedicated therapy is available to eradicate harmful bacteria and revitalize oral health. Do you have any questions? Do you suspect that you may be in need of treatment? You are always welcome to contact us in Auburn, ME for further information.
Do I Have Gum Disease?
Common symptoms include the following:
- Gums that regularly bleed when brushing and flossing
- Gum tissue that is excessively red in shade, swollen, or tender to the touch
- Excessive bad breath that lingers even after practicing oral hygiene
- Teeth that feel looser or seem to be separating
- Areas of pus forming between the gums and the teeth
- Teeth that appear longer over time (a sign of a receding gum line)
- A sudden shift or change in the way the rows of teeth fit together
Scaling & Root Planing
When a regular dental cleaning simply doesn’t have the scope to treat gum disease thoroughly, scaling and root planing is the logical next step. This in-depth treatment involves the dedicated removal of harmful bacteria from along the patient’s gum line and beneath it too. Our team will also pay specific attention to the tooth roots themselves, which develop rough surfaces over time that are prime targets for plaque and tartar accumulation. By smoothing these vulnerable areas and providing a thorough cleansing, we can minimize the risk of further flare-ups of infection.
Antibiotic Therapy
Following scaling and root planing, our dentists may recommend the application of antibiotics as well to supplement the positive effects. We prescribe ARESTIN®, which comes in the form of a powder that is directly applied to the patient’s deep periodontal pockets. The substance contains microspheres that aren’t actually visible to the naked eye but will release medication over a gradual period of time, eliminating any bacteria that were missed during the initial treatment process. ARESTIN’s benefits can last for up to a full month following your appointment.