Bedford Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal, gum, disease affects more US adults than even the most common types of cancers, and while it may not be as deadly, advanced gum disease is also linked to a number of chronic and systemic illnesses including diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. At Bedford Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we complete periodontal charting during every dental checkup. This fast, preventive treatment allows our team to diagnose periodontal disease in the earliest stages by quickly noting the recession of gum tissue from the teeth which is one of the most overlooked warning signs of gum disease. In this early stage, gingivitis, we are typically able to reverse the effects of gum disease with more frequent professional cleanings and more thorough at home care. If patients experience more advanced periodontal disease, periodontitis, they may need more progressive treatments including:

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling is the careful removal of plaque and tartar buildup and damaged gum tissue, and root planing is the smoothing of tooth roots to prevent future plaque and tartar buildup. Once this process is completed, we may recommend topical antibiotic treatments and more frequent professional cleanings for continued maintenance of oral health.

Antibiotic Therapy

Bacteria in the mouth serve a valuable function as part of the digestive process, but like any living organism, bacteria absorb nutrients from the foods we eat and excrete waste. The waste produced by bacteria is a sticky acidic biofilm – plaque. In order to avoid the potential damage of plaque buildup, topical antibiotics may be applied at the site of more advanced gum disease to remove bacteria preventing damage to teeth and gums for a period of one or more months.