Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. This includes periodontal disease, which is a common condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums. The primary cause of periodontal disease is plaque buildup on the teeth, which can lead to irritation and infection in the surrounding tissues. Without proper treatment, this can progress to more serious conditions such as gum recession, tooth loss, and even bone damage.
One of the key components of preventing periodontal disease is practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and regularly visiting a dentist for cleanings and check-ups. It’s also important to maintain a healthy diet, as certain foods and drinks can contribute to plaque buildup.
Our practice provides a number of treatments for periodontal disease, including scaling and root planing, as well as antibiotic treatment. We invite you to read below for more information on these procedures and how they can help improve your oral health.
ARESTIN® Antibiotic Treatment
ARESTIN® (minocycline hydrochloride) is an antibiotic treatment for gum disease, a condition that affects the health and stability of gums and, ultimately, the teeth they support. This innovative antibiotic therapy employs a highly targeted approach to combat bacterial infections deep within the gums, offering a new level of care for patients suffering from periodontal issues.
Periodontal disease, characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums, can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to a variety of systemic health problems. Traditional treatments have included scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning process that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. However, ARESTIN goes a step further. This therapy utilizes minocycline hydrochloride microspheres, tiny particles engineered to release the antibiotic slowly over time, directly into the infected periodontal pockets. This localized delivery system not only ensures that the medication is concentrated where it is needed most but also significantly reduces the potential for systemic side effects associated with oral antibiotics.
How Does It Work?
Administered by our dentist immediately after scaling and root planing, ARESTIN begins its work by gradually releasing the antibiotic over a 30-day period, actively fighting off harmful bacteria and aiding in the healing of gum tissue. Studies have shown that this method can produce markedly improved outcomes within 90 days when compared to scaling and root planing alone, offering hope for those struggling with persistent periodontal conditions.
To maximize the benefits of ARESTIN treatment and ensure optimal healing, patients are advised to take certain precautions. These include avoiding touching the treated gum areas, delaying the use of dental floss or toothpicks in these regions, and steering clear of hard or sticky foods for a short period post-treatment. Moreover, maintaining good hydration, limiting tobacco use and adhering to follow-up care are crucial steps in supporting the recovery process.
Incorporating ARESTIN into a comprehensive oral hygiene routine is key. Regular brushing and flossing play an essential role in controlling plaque and bacterial growth, laying the foundation for a healthy mouth. Together with ARESTIN therapy, these practices form a powerful defense against periodontal disease, protecting both gum and tooth health.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, often referred to as a deep cleaning, is a pivotal procedure in the management and prevention of periodontal disease, a condition affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth. This treatment is designed for cases where gum disease has not advanced to a severe state but requires intervention beyond regular cleanings. The process entails two critical steps aimed at meticulously cleaning the teeth above and below the gumline: scaling and root planing.
What Is The Process?
Scaling is the first phase of the treatment, and involves Dr. Felix Wangsawihardja meticulously removing plaque and tartar (also known as calculus) from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline. Tartar, a hardened form of plaque, can only be removed with specialized dental instruments. This step is crucial for eliminating the bacteria-laden deposits that contribute to gum inflammation and disease.
Root planing follows scaling and focuses on the roots of the teeth. During this step, our dentist will carefully smooth the root surfaces, removing any remaining bacterial toxins. This not only helps in detaching harmful bacteria but also promotes the reattachment of the gums to the tooth surfaces, facilitating healing and preventing further disease progression.
The objectives of scaling and root planing are multifaceted. Primarily, the procedure aims to eradicate harmful bacteria and their byproducts, halt the progression of periodontal disease, and set the stage for healing and regeneration of the affected gum tissue. By addressing the root cause of gum disease, scaling and root planing play a critical role in preserving oral health and preventing tooth loss.
Laser Bacterial Reduction Treatment
In addition to traditional treatments like scaling and root planing and antibiotic therapy, our practice also offers laser bacterial reduction (LBR), an innovative and highly effective treatment for managing periodontal disease. This minimally invasive procedure uses advanced laser technology to reduce harmful bacteria in the gums and promote faster healing.
How Does It Work?
Laser bacterial reduction focuses on reducing the bacterial load within the periodontal pockets, the spaces between the teeth and gums where harmful bacteria thrive. These bacteria are often responsible for causing gum inflammation, infection, and disease progression. During the LBR procedure, a specialized dental laser is used to target and eliminate these bacteria while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissues.
The laser’s precision allows us to reach areas that are difficult to access with traditional methods, providing a more thorough cleaning of the gum tissue. By reducing bacterial levels, LBR helps prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, promoting a healthier oral environment.
Keeping You Comfortable Throughout Treatment
For enhanced patient comfort, this treatment can often be performed with minimal discomfort, thanks to modern anesthetic and sedation options. Depending on the extent of the periodontal disease, the procedure might be completed in one visit or divided into several appointments, focusing on different sections of the mouth each time. This phased approach ensures thorough cleaning while maintaining patient comfort. In some cases, scaling and root planing may be complemented with additional periodontal therapies, such as localized antibiotic treatments, to bolster the healing process and combat bacteria more effectively.
