Periodontal Therapy – State College, PA
Renew Oral Health Following Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is one of the most common, and most damaging, dental problems in the entire world. This bacterial infection is the leading cause for tooth loss in America, and it can even increase a person’s chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Periodontal therapy is used to combat this infection. At Donald Marks Family Dentistry, we’ll screen your gums every time you come to see us so we can catch and treat gum disease as quickly as possible. If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed often, be sure to contact us today for periodontal therapy in State College, PA.
Scaling & Root Planing
If we spot any signs of gum disease, our usual first line of defense will be a scaling and root planing treatment. This is sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning, and it can be thought of as a dental cleaning that specifically aimed at treating the gums.
After numbing the area intended to be treated, your dentist will use an ultrasonic cleaner to break up and clear away any plaque or tartar deposits located around your gum line. Then, we’ll gently smooth out the roots of your teeth. This will make them less likely to gather plaque that could lead to reinfection. Depending on the extent of your gum disease, a complete scaling and root planing treatment can be completed over the course of a few visits. Afterward, you’ll be advised to visit us more often for regular dental cleanings in order to make sure your gums remain healthy as you heal.
Antibiotic Therapy
After your scaling and root planing treatment, we may choose to apply a topical antibiotic directly to your gums to further fight the infection. The antibiotic gel will be placed on the infected area and given time to seep into your gums to kill the deepest bacteria. You may also be prescribed an oral antibiotic to take as well. If so, be sure to inform our team of any other medications you are taking.
