Greer Dental Studio provides periodontic services in Greer, SC. To schedule an appointment and a gum disease evaluation, please call our office at 864-259-2590.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the dentistry branch that deals with the gums. Periodontal disease affects many people, including a significant portion of those over age 65. Periodontal disease can make gums recede and cause bone loss and lead to tooth loss when it does not receive appropriate treatment.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
- Red or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Swollen, tender gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath that persists after brushing
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease progresses through three stages. The first stage, gingivitis, is usually reversible if you take proper care of your teeth.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
People with gingivitis have swollen, red gums that bleed when they brush or floss. If you step up your home care routine and visit your dentist for regular cleanings, you may be able to reverse this stage.
Stage 2: Mild to Moderate Periodontitis
This stage happens when gingivitis is allowed to progress. The gums detach from the tooth surface, forming deep pockets where plaque and tartar can collect. Infections follow, causing bone and tissue damage.
Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis
When early stages of periodontitis are not treated ,it progresses to severe periodontitis. This is when teeth start to become loose and may need extraction.
Benefits of Periodontics
Saves Teeth
The end stage of periodontal disease causes tooth loss. Fortunately, interventional treatment can slow the progression of the disease and save your teeth.
Relieves Pain
Gums affected by periodontal disease are frequently red, swollen, and painful. Treatment improves their condition.
Improves Appearance
Periodontal disease can make the gums recede, aging your appearance and making you self-conscious about your smile. Gum disease treatment can improve your outlook.
Home care is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but even excellent home care cannot prevent bacteria and plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden, becoming calculus. We will recommend a periodontal maintenance program that is best for you based on how quickly you develop calculus and your past and current periodontal health.
Procedures Offered
Scaling and Root Planing
To scale your teeth, the dentist or hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar. Scaling helps patients combat gum disease by removing the plaque and tartar from the tooth surface, including beneath the gumline. Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces to help the healthy gums reattach to the tooth.
Arestin®
ARESTIN® is a locally applied antibiotic that delivers minocycline microspheres in the form of a powder. It is placed directly into the infected periodontal pocket at the time of scaling and root planing procedures for easy, targeted treatment.
The microspheres adhere to the surrounding surfaces to provide a sustained release of the antibiotic at the site of active infection for effective treatment. It is used in pocket depth reduction and may be part of a periodontal maintenance program.
Benefits of ARESTIN® include:
- No local anesthesia required
- No adhesive required
- No dressing required
- No need for removal as the microspheres are completely bioresorbed
- Remains active in the pocket for an extended period of time
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics
Call Greer Dental Studio
We can help you fight back against periodontal disease before it is too late. Please call our office at 864-259-2590 to make an appointment for a consultation.