Safe Periodontal Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
Did you know that periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States? Our doctors take this threat very seriously, which is why periodontal screenings are a vital part of your routine appointments here in Scottsdale. If we determine that your mouth is under attack from infection, we offer several revitalizing therapy options that can give you back your valuable oral health and help you smile brighter.
Common symptoms of periodontal disease include the following:
- Oral bleeding that happens when a patient is brushing or flossing.
- Gum tissue that seems excessively red, swollen, or tender.
- A receding gum line (teeth that appear longer over time).
- Severe bad breath that doesn’t respond to brushing/flossing/mouthwash use.
- A change in the way your bite fits together.
However, it’s important to remember that in some cases, patients may not experience any noticeable signs of a problem until their case has already reached an advanced stage. That’s why attending routine check-ups with a trusted dental team like ours is strongly recommended.
Once periodontal disease has progressed past the initial stages, the bacteria that are gathered at and under the gum line will need to be removed through an in-depth cleaning known as scaling and root planing. Our team members will use specialized tools to eliminate areas of built-up plaque beneath the tissue (the scaling portion) and smooth away rough spots that have formed on the tooth roots, which can be magnets for dangerous bacteria (the planing portion). This procedure can help your inflamed gums heal without requiring more involved surgery.
At Desert Vista Dental, our team is dedicated to constantly improving the care of our valued patients through new techniques and technology. The Odyssey® Diode Laser is a big part of this promise, eliminating traditionally invasive gum flap surgery and replacing it with a safer, more precise method that eliminates infection while minimizing bleeding and improving healing time.
Antibiotic therapy may be recommended as an addition to the above therapy methods, as a stand-alone treatment, or even as an important part of your routine cleanings. During your appointment at our Scottsdale office, our doctors will apply ARESTIN® medication directly above and below the gum line, allowing the antibiotic to directly kill bacteria and facilitate more successful healing of the gum tissue.