Gum Disease Treatment – Dudley, MA
Gentle Gum Care from a Trained Expert
Did you know that the most common oral health problem isn’t actually tooth decay, but gum disease? The CDC estimates that about half of adults in the U.S. currently have this condition to some extent. Although it’s prevalent, gum disease – also known as periodontal disease – can have serious consequences for your oral and overall health. That’s why our dentists at Dudley Family Dental look for the smallest signs of it during your routine checkups. Plus, Dr. Harith Kamil holds a Master of Science degree in Periodontology, making him a certified expert at preventing and treating gum disease. Regardless of the condition of your gums, you can trust that with gum disease treatment in Dudley, MA from Dr. Kamil, your smile is in good hands!
Why Choose Dudley Family Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Harith Kamil – Experienced Periodontist
- One-on-One Dental Care Aimed at Teaching Preventive Techniques
- Dental Insurance Accepted & In-House Financing Offered
What Is Periodontal Disease?
When plaque builds up in the mouth, bacteria produce acids that irritate the gums, causing them to swell, turn red, and bleed easily. Left untreated, periodontal disease may cause the gums to recede from the teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria can gather and worsen the infection. Eventually, the gum and bone tissue that keep the teeth in place might start to deteriorate, resulting in tooth loss. Luckily, Dr. Kamil provides expert treatment to prevent gum disease from progressing to that point.
Scaling & Root Planing
Often, the most direct way to treat gum disease is with a two-step procedure called scaling and root planing. You can think of it like a regular dental cleaning, except it’s focused on the gums, not the teeth. First comes scaling, during which we use an ultrasonic cleaning instrument to clear away bacteria from along and below the gumline. Then, with root planing, we smooth down the rough roots of the teeth. This discourages plaque from accumulating in this area, reducing the chance of reinfection later.
Antibiotic Therapy
Whether on its own or in conjunction with scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy is a highly effective method of addressing gum disease. We typically use a topical antibiotic called Arestin, which we apply to the pockets in the gums where bacteria are the most highly concentrated. It begins fighting bacteria right away and continues to do so long after you’ve left our dental office.