Studies show that gum disease is a known contributing factor to other systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, pregnancy complications, and more; not to mention, it is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults! But the good news is it can be easily treated if caught early. At Derby Dental, we do a thorough gum screening at each of your dental check-up visits and discuss any signs of an unhealthy mouth. When indicated, we will make recommendations for periodontal disease treatment in Austin, TX and work with you in getting this disease under control as soon as possible.
If we’re able to detect gum disease in its early stages, then scaling and root planing may be all that is needed. This two-step procedure is sort of like a dental cleaning, but it’s primarily focused on your gumline. First, we use specific instruments to remove plaque and tartar (the main causes of gum disease) that have accumulated along the gumline. Then, we smooth out the teeth’s roots, promoting healing while making it harder for bacteria to gather there in the future.
We may also use antibiotics to target bacteria in areas of the gums that even our specialized instruments cannot reach. During your procedure, we can apply a topical antibiotic called Arestin to your gums, which gradually releases the medication over the course of two weeks to eliminate bacteria deep within the gum tissue. Additionally, we can prescribe PerioScience rinses and other products to use at home. These items strengthen the antibacterial agents that are naturally found in human saliva, helping you fight infections on your own.