The main priority in treating periodontal disease is controlling the infection. Your periodontist may prescribe topical antibiotics. Scaling and root planing may be part of the deep cleaning that will be necessary to remove the calculus buildup that has cause the periodontal disease. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to clean the deep pockets in between the gums and the teeth.

At NL Periodontics, we utilize the latest technology to better give  you the highest possible chance of preserving your natural teeth. In the case that decay is so severe that a tooth must be extracted, dental implants can be used to preserve the alignment of the teeth as well as for chewing and esthetic purposes.

Periodontal disease and heart disease are similar in that they are both linked with chronic inflammation. Studies have shown that periodontal disease may increase the risk of developing heart disease. Maintaining a state of optimal oral health and following through with any treatment plans prescribed by your periodontist are important for maintaining overall health.

Root planing and scaling is an effective way to treat periodontal disease and control the infection. During this treatment, the periodontist may use an ultrasonic tool or a scraping device to remove tartar from the pockets in between the teeth and gums. Topical antibiotics may be used to further treat the infection.

Your periodontist may also use a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated in order to keep you comfortable during the treatment.

Maintaining regularly scheduled appointments with your family dentist for a cleaning and exam is a great start to preventing periodontal disease. During a proffessional cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will thoroughly remove plaque and tartar that, if left to accumulate, can lead to periodontitis.

Aside from that, brushing and flossing twice a day is the most effective way to prevent gum disease. Maintaining a healthy diet including lots of fruits and vegetables, limiting bad habits such as smoking and eating sweets, and reducing stress can also serve to help prevent periodontal disease.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, puffy, or tender gums, bleeding when brushing and flossing, loose that, and halitosis(bad breath) that does not go away with brushing.

Symptoms of periodontal disease can sometimes be silent, meaning that the patient could have it for a long time become uncomfortable symptoms present themselves. For this reason it is important to maintain regular dental check ups to catch gum disease in its early stages.