Restore Your Gum Health With Periodontal Therapy in Germantown
Periodontal therapy includes treatments that stop gum disease and restore the health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth. Gum disease is a common oral health condition that won't get better on its own. Our periodontal therapy in Germantown will eliminate your infection with proven, precise treatments.
Unlike most general dentist offices, you can get your care from a gum care specialist. Our periodontist will target the disease at its source, giving your gums a chance to heal. Whether you have mild gum disease or more advanced periodontal concerns, we'll help you restore your oral health and help you maintain your beautiful smile. No insurance? Join our Membership Club for savings, including an option for those with gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Therapy
Q What is periodontal therapy?
Periodontal therapy includes treatments that stop, manage, and reverse the damage caused by gum disease. Depending on how far your gum disease has progressed, treatment may include a deep cleaning, antibiotic therapy, pocket reduction, or a combination of solutions. We'll give your gums the best possible chance to heal and stay healthy long term.
Q How do I know if I need periodontal therapy?
You may need periodontal therapy if you have noticed bleeding, swollen, or tender gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or increased sensitivity along your gumline. The tricky part is that gum disease often causes damage before it causes obvious discomfort. The only reliable way to know where your gum health stands is through a thorough periodontal exam.
Q What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar and bacterial buildup from below your gumline. It also smooths the root surfaces of your teeth to discourage bacteria from reattaching. It is the most common first step in treating gum disease.
Q How do topical antibiotics help with gum disease?
Topical antibiotics help treat gum disease by targeting bacterial infections directly beneath your gumline. It's often recommended when a deep cleaning alone may not fully resolve the disease. After scaling and root planing, your periodontist may place antibiotic medication into the gum pockets to eliminate remaining bacteria. This more targeted approach helps your gum tissue heal more thoroughly.
Q How many periodontal therapy appointments will I need?
The number of periodontal therapy appointments you need depends on the severity of your gum disease and which treatments are included in your plan. A straightforward deep cleaning may be completed in one to two visits. More advanced cases will require a longer treatment timeline. Your periodontist will walk you through a clear schedule at your consultation.
Q What happens after my periodontal treatment is complete?
After your periodontal treatment is complete, we focus on keeping your results intact through ongoing periodontal maintenance. These follow-up visits are scheduled more frequently than standard cleanings. They are more thorough, targeting the areas where your disease was most active. Gum disease is a chronic condition that requires consistent monitoring and professional care to prevent recurrence.
Q Can periodontal therapy improve my overall health?
Yes, periodontal therapy can improve your overall health. Untreated gum disease sends harmful bacteria into your bloodstream that fuel chronic inflammation linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory illness. By clearing the infection driving your gum disease, periodontal therapy reduces that bacterial burden on your body. It removes one of the most common sources of systemic inflammation.
Q Why should I see a periodontist instead of a general dentist for gum disease?
Seeing a periodontist for gum disease means getting care from a specialist with years of advanced training focused specifically on diagnosing and treating gum infections, inflammation, and bone loss. A periodontist has access to a broader range of treatments. They have a deeper level of expertise for complex cases than a general dentist typically provides.
