Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems faced by adults, estimated to impact one out of every two people by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team’s goal is to tackle the early signs of gum disease before it has an opportunity to progress into something more serious down the road. To learn more about some of the available options for periodontal disease treatment in Marana, AZ, read below.
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Scaling and root planing is a two-step process that typically takes place between one and two appointments, depending on how far your gum disease has progressed. First, our team will clear all plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, as far down as the pockets of your gums. Dr. Fitzgerald will then smooth out the roots of the teeth, which will allow your gums to healthily reattach to the structure to provide it with much-needed protection.
Laser therapy isn’t a standalone treatment. It’s typically utilized in conjunction with scaling and root planing to make the process more effective and help minimize the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria. Using our Biolase EZLase soft tissue laser, Dr. Fitzgerald will remove any severely damaged gum tissue, only leaving the healthy tissue behind to reattach to the roots of your teeth. She can also smooth out rough spots below the gumline with it as well. The laser immediately kills harmful oral bacteria that lead to gum infections and can help reduce symptoms of gum disease.
Antibiotic therapy is typically recommended alongside scaling and root planing to help reduce the impact that harmful oral bacteria can have on your smile. Our team uses systemic antibiotics instead of pills, which just means that we target the affected area with antibiotics in a calculated way to be more effective. Typically, we’ll prescribe you systemic antibiotics and you’ll return for a follow-up to ensure that they’re working as they should.
