Periodontal Therapy An Overview
Do your gums regularly bleed when brushing? Have you noticed changes in the shape or color of the gums, fit of the bite?
We offer a complete range of gum disease treatment for patients dealing with the various stages of gum disease. Dr. Ed Lazer and Dr. Roham Rafat work with each of our patients to create a comprehensive treatment plan based on their needs.
Treating periodontal disease in the earliest stage may minimize your risk of developing extensive damage to the teeth, gums, and bone structure. There are two main stages of periodontal disease, better known as gum disease.
The first is gingivitis, which is the milder form and easily reversible with regular flossing and routine professional cleaning.
The second stage is periodontitis, which is a more serious, destructive form of gum disease diagnosed by the recession of gums and supporting bone away from the teeth.
What causes gum disease?
Factors that contribute to periodontal disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, certain medications, defective fillings, crooked teeth, systemic disease, improper home care, and irregular dental cleanings.
Because gum disease is usually not painful, most patients may not know they have it until it is too late. Warning signs of gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed during tooth brushing and/or flossing
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating; any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures.
To ensure that your gum disease doesn’t progress from a mild to a more advanced stage, we apply Arestin® antibiotic therapy and irrigation (flushing) to kill and eliminate any residual bacteria left after deep cleaning.
Our dentist in Baltimore, MD along with the hygienist examines your mouth for gum disease. Together they will recommend the appropriate treatment options.