Gum disease still affects 64.7 million Americans, and this infection of your gum tissue can cause tooth loss if left untreated. Not only that, but gum disease increases your risk for diabetes and heart disease since the inflammation in the gums releases harmful bacteria throughout your body.
Treating periodontal disease is fairly simple in the early stages and is often reversible. In this stage, periodontal treatment usually includes stepping up your daily brushing and flossing routine followed by a professional dental cleaning. If you have advanced gum disease, treatment may include extra dental cleanings, improved at-home oral hygiene, antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), or gum surgery.
At our practice in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Dr. David E. Pearson offers scaling and root planing for our patients with advanced gum disease. In scaling, we remove plaque and tartar (dental calculus) from the tooth surface. and with root planing we clean the roots of the teeth, smoothing the root to remove bacterial toxins. The scaling and root planing treatment may be split up into several appointments, in which we treat one section of the mouth at each appointment.
Gum disease is often preventable with the right care and attention. Take the time for a diligent daily oral hygiene routine and keep all scheduled professional dental cleanings. To schedule an appointment with Dr. David E. Pearson in Lawrenceville, Georgia, please call 770.995.9051 today.
