Periodontal Treatments in Clearwater FL

​​​​​​​Untreated, advanced gum (periodontal) disease has the power to negatively affect your health. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, too. The rates of gum disease are staggering, too, with research indicating that four out of five adults will develop some form of gum disease in their lifetimes. Detecting and treating gum disease quickly is imperative for stopping its progression. If gum disease is caught early enough and patients commit to practicing meticulous oral hygiene, the condition can be reversed.

SCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT

Detecting Periodontal Disease

Every dental checkup includes screening for signs of gum disease. Dental hygienists also closely examine the gums during cleanings. If patients forego routine checkups and cleanings for a prolonged period of time, it is possible to develop advanced gum disease. While bleeding gums are a common symptom of gum disease, other symptoms like discolorations in gum tissue and gingival tenderness may indicate periodontal disease as well. If you have symptoms of gum disease or if it has been a while since your last checkup and cleaning, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holloman so that we can evaluate your gum health.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you might be wondering what your treatment options are. Dental professionals will recommend increased vigilance with oral hygiene at any stage of gum disease. Patients with advanced periodontal disease may need special prophylaxis called “scaling and root planing” that removes tartar accumulation beneath the gum line and smooths the surfaces of the roots of teeth to diminish the likelihood of developing future tartar buildup. This treatment cleans the infected parts of the gums to encourage the development of new tissue growth. Scaling and root planing is administered incrementally. Treatment areas are divided into quadrants and patients, depending on the severity of their gum disease, will need to plan for multiple visits to our practice.

Sometimes antibiotics and oral rinses are prescribed to help control harmful bacteria. In severe cases of periodontal disease, patients might need surgical or specialty treatment.

If you have signs of gum disease, call our office today to reserve a checkup with Dr. Holloman.

Periodontal Therapy FAQs