Family Dental of Georgetown is one of the leading periodontal disease specialists in Georgetown, MA. Our cutting-edge technology helps us identify and treat periodontal disease and its symptoms early before it becomes a more significant problem.

Early Signs of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, often starts silently with minimal symptoms. However, early detection is key to preventing more severe issues down the road. Common early signs include red, swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, and gum recession. At Family Dental of Georgetown, we emphasize the importance of regular dental checkups to catch these symptoms early. Through thorough examinations and advanced diagnostic tools, we can help identify gum disease before it progresses.

Identification & Treatment

Our laser imaging process helps patients understand the entire procedure from beginning to end. We want our patients to understand the process and keep them in the loop every step of the way. We explain the scaling and root planing procedure to each patient so they know what the process will entail. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that works underneath the gum line to get scale and plaque off the teeth. Then, the dentist will trim back the gum line further to polish the area below the gum line and repair the gums so they can heal normally.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments

In the early stages of periodontal disease, non-surgical treatments can often halt its progression. Along with scaling and root planing, our Georgetown dental team offers advanced therapies such as laser treatment to target infected gum tissue with precision. This minimally invasive approach reduces discomfort and promotes faster healing. With the help of these techniques, we can restore your gum health without the need for more extensive surgical procedures.

Follow-Up Procedures & Aftercare

After root planing, the dentist will prescribe an antibiotic to help the patient eliminate infection and bacteria inside the mouth. Then, they may undergo a grafting process to encourage growth along the gum line. The dental surgeon will take tissue from other areas in the mouth and move it into the gums, where it can regenerate and become a seamless gum line to help showcase an attractive smile.

Sometimes, this is done for periodontal issues, but the procedure is also performed for patients requesting gum line adjustment for cosmetic reasons. For example, some patients have a receding gum line, and some have gum lines that ride too high on the teeth.

As part of the regeneration process, the dentist may encourage growth in certain areas more than others by using abrasive pastes or protein stimulants. To help combat gum disease, the dentist can use a protein-stimulating gel along the surfaces of the gum line that penetrates down into the roots and encourages new growth. This can result in stronger roots and healthier gums.

Maintaining Healthy Gums Post-Treatment

After periodontal treatment, maintaining your gum health is crucial to prevent the recurrence of gum disease. Our dentists at Family Dental of Georgetown will create a customized aftercare plan, which includes routine cleanings, improved oral hygiene practices, and dietary recommendations to support gum health. Additionally, we may recommend more frequent checkups to monitor your progress and ensure long-term success. By following our post-treatment care plan, you can enjoy a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

If you are looking for periodontal treatment, reach out to Family Dental of Georgetown in Georgetown, MA, to set up an appointment to discuss your custom treatment plan.