Treatment options for gum disease
At Main Line Dental Health & Wellness, we are committed to offering solutions for patients with specific dental issues. This includes gum disease, an infection that requires treatment to control.
What is gum disease?
Drs. Jerald S. Matt and Naila Bryan of Main Line Dental Health & Wellness in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, describe gum disease as a gum infection that starts in the smile. It has several stages, including gingivitis and periodontitis. The condition is entirely preventable with proper oral health habits. However, once it has developed, it cannot be cured, just controlled. This is why our team encourages patients to take proper care of their teeth and gums between routine dental appointments.
What gum disease treatment do I need?
The type of treatment our team recommends depends heavily on the stage of the condition and how severe the damage has become. Generally, gum disease treatments typically include:
- Professional dental cleanings. During these visits, our team can remove the built-up plaque and tartar that caused the infection. This helps reduce inflammation and irritation in the gums.
- Medications. Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, we may recommend antibiotics to help you fight off the infection and control it over time. We also offer laser therapy for more advanced cases of periodontal disease.
- At-home maintenance plan. Our team will provide a detailed list of at-home care instructions to ensure your gums remain healthy and free from infection between dental appointments. This includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using a bacteria-fighting mouthwash, and increasing visits to the dentist for periodontal scaling and cleaning.
- Scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is a special kind of deep cleaning that helps remove the infection and bacteria from below the gums. This can help reduce inflammation, irritation, and further damage to teeth and gums.
The team at Main Line Dental Health & Wellness will create an individualized treatment plan so you can treat your gum disease with the most effective combination of techniques. We understand how important dental care is for achieving optimal oral health and overall well-being, so our priority is ensuring every patient’s needs are met with quality care. If you are impacted by periodontal disease, call our team today at (610) 947-5566 to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. We serve patients in the cities of Bryn Mawr, Newton Square, Gladwyne, Wayne, Villanova, Radnor, Haverford, and Rosemont, PA.