Periodontal Therapy

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest form of periodontal disease. At this stage of infection, bacteria and plaque have formed at, and below, the gum line. Plaque hardens to form tartar on your teeth, which will irritate and inflame the gum tissue.

Symptoms of Gingivitis include:

• Redness and swelling of the gums
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
• Sensitive teeth and gums

Gingivitis is a treatable and reversible dental condition. Treating gingivitis to eliminate infection begins with an oral care routine of brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

It is also important to see your dentist twice a year for preventive dental cleanings and check-ups. At your dental cleaning visit, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, and may recommend an antiseptic or medicated mouthwash to use at home.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more advanced form of periodontal disease. If plaque and tartar are not removed from teeth at the gum line, ‘pockets’ will begin to form between the teeth and gums. The gum tissue will start to deteriorate and pull away from teeth, allowing infectious bacteria to penetrate further below the gum line.

Symptoms of Periodontitis include:

• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Pain or discomfort when chewing

Along with good oral hygiene practices at home, Dr. Barker and your dental hygienist may recommend that you visit our office more often – 3 to 4 times annually - for periodontal maintenance until the infection is eliminated. These visits may include a deep cleaning known as ‘scaling and root planing’ to remove plaque and tartar build up within the pockets between the teeth and gums.

Advanced Periodontitis

In advanced cases of periodontitis, the gums, supportive ligaments and bone deteriorate enough that teeth start to become loose. Left untreated, periodontal disease will eventually lead to tooth loss.

Symptoms of Advanced Periodontitis include:

• Loose teeth
• Teeth that appear longer due to gum recession
• Periodontal abscess (painful collection of pus on the gum tissue)

Dr. Barker and your dental hygienist can administer non-surgical periodontal therapy in the comfort of our Athens dental office. In addition to more frequent periodontal maintenance visits, Dr. Barker may prescribe antibiotics and medicated mouth rinse to eliminate oral infection.

Should you require referral to a Periodontist (periodontal specialist), Dr. Barker will work closely with them to coordinate a treatment plan that best addresses all of your dental needs.