How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, affects about half of the adult population in the United States. According to the CDC, approximately 47% of Americans have gum disease. Periodontal disease is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues around teeth. It can trigger and cause many serious health issues, but it can be prevented if caught early. Most people ignore or fail to realize that gums play an essential role in the health of all body and not just oral hygiene. Several severe systemic diseases have been associated with oral health for decades. Periodontitis is linked to diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, obesity, and numerous forms of cancer. The inflammation caused by gum disease can increase whole-body inflammation. To avoid these consequences, you must seek treatment before gum disease progresses into the more advanced stages.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Regular dental checkups are essential to evaluate tooth and gum health. Don’t let gum infection reduce the quality of your life when treatment is this easy and convenient! The primary purpose of any periodontitis disease treatment is thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent further damage to the surrounding bone. Treatment usually includes deep cleaning and sometimes surgery.

Our dentists are certified in treating gum disease in Salem, MA, with LANAP®, the first FDA-cleared laser protocol for treating gum infection. With much research and advances, lasers have been used to treat periodontal disease since the 1990s. Laser treatment is less painful than traditional osseous surgery and can quickly regrow the tissues and bone lost to gum disease. There is no cutting and sewing with the LANAP protocol. Compared to conventional periodontal surgery, patients report almost no discomfort after the procedure. The LANAP protocol is less invasive than traditional surgery and helps maintain a beautiful smile line. A tiny fiber about the width of three human hairs is inserted between the gum tissue and teeth, which targets and destroys bacteria deep within the pockets of the gums without affecting healthy tissue.

If your gums are swollen, bleed when brushed and flossed, or have bad breath and loose teeth, you may have some degree of periodontal disease. See your dentist today and address this disease as soon as possible for the best outcome! As long as periodontal disease is regularly and adequately treated, it significantly lowers the risk of contributing to severe complications. If you have already been diagnosed with periodontal disease, visit your periodontist for routine treatment. If you don’t have gum disease, the best way to prevent it is to brush for at least two minutes and floss before bedtime. If you are worried you may have undiagnosed gum disease or what to find out whether you may be at risk, visit your dentist or periodontist.⁠⁠

For more information on preventing gum disease and to discuss treatment options, please call Aleris Salem Dental Center at (855) 745-0055 or contact us online. Schedule your consultation with the best dentists in Salem, MA!