Periodontal Therapy in Houston, TX

Gum disease is a serious dental condition that affects more than half of American adults. If treatment is not received, it can result in more serious problems such as bone loss, receding gums, and tooth loss. At Lava Dental, our team doesn’t want this to happen as much as you do. That is why we offer effective Periodontal Therapy in Houston, TX.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. Although some people are more susceptible to gum disease than others, poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of the condition. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It happens when the gums swell and get red. Additionally, when you clean or floss your teeth, the gums bleed.

Worsening gingivitis can become periodontitis, an advanced gum disease caused by plaque and bacteria infesting the gum pockets. It can cause gum swelling, pain, and foul breath. The most severe type of periodontitis can result in tooth loss.

What is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is a group of surgical and non-surgical treatments used to treat gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). It aims to control the infection, stop tooth and bone loss, and enhance oral health. Non-surgical methods include deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, while surgical methods involve gum or bone grafts. To stop gum disease from worsening and leading to significant problems, it is best to get periodontal therapy right away.

What are Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments?

The most common non-surgical treatment for gum disease is scaling and root planing. Also called deep cleaning, it entails eliminating tartar and plaque from the root’s surface,  which lies beneath the gum line. Then, the root’s surface is polished to prevent bacteria from adhering to a rough surface, preventing further infection.

Another non-surgical gum therapy procedure is the tray distribution system, which includes several mouth-fitting trays you will take home. You will wear the trays like mouthguards to ensure that the medication reaches your gums directly.

What are the Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease?

When severe gum disease occurs, surgery is required to repair the damaged teeth and gums. Gum grafting is a method to rebuild the tooth’s root when the gums have significantly receded. When the jawbone has deteriorated because of the infection, dental bone grafting can restore it. If the tooth becomes permanently damaged, our dentist may suggest having it extracted and replaced with a dental implant or denture.

Protect Your Gums with Expert Care

Lava Dental offers Periodontal Therapy in Houston, TX. We encourage you to see one of our dentists if you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, such as gum recession, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or foul breath. Our team can provide you with surgical and non-surgical gum treatments.