Your Concord, MA, Periodontist Discusses How to Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can begin when the bacteria in plaque—a sticky, colorless film that develops in the mouth throughout the day—collect along the gum line. As these bacteria accumulate, they begin to calcify and harden to become what is known as either calculus or tartar. Eventually, the inside lining of gum tissues becomes inflamed and ulcerated in response to the infection. When this happens, treatment is critical. Your Concord, MA periodontist Dr. Grossman offers preventive periodontal services and laser periodontal surgery to halt the disease’s advance.

Stopping Gum Disease

The #1 goal of gum disease treatment is stopping the progress of the disease. Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which is marked by red and swollen gums that bleed. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to become periodontitis. Without proper treatment, this can cause the destruction of gum tissue, the underlying bone structure and ultimately the need for tooth extraction.

When caught early, gingivitis can be well managed with a more stringent at-home oral hygiene routine. Twice daily brushing and flossing at least once a day go a long way toward removing the plaque that leads to gum disease.

Non-Surgical Therapy for Gum Disease

The initial phase of periodontal therapy requires removing the buildup of plaque and tartar that has accumulated along and below the gum line. This is done with special hand instruments during a procedure called scaling and root planing or root debridement. With scaling, plaque and tartar are removed, and then planing smoothes the root surfaces so they are less receptive to these sticky troublemakers.

Periodontal Laser Surgery in Concord

Laser therapy can be used as an aid to the non-surgical therapy described above or as a replacement. The advantages of laser treatment include:

• Less tissue damage and swelling
• Minimal bleeding
• Sterilization of the site
• Easier recovery

Concord, MA, periodontist Dr. Grossman performs the LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) to kill the bacteria that cause gum disease; remove infected and inflamed gum tissue and to promote faster healing of gum and bone tissue. Although local anesthesia is required during LANAP treatment, laser energy replaces the need for a scalpel as well as sutures. At the conclusion of periodontal laser surgery, patients receive a bite guard that is worn at night to protect the gums and promote periodontal regeneration.

Call Your Concord, MA Periodontist Today

If you would like to discuss your options for treating gum disease, contact the office of Stephen H. Grossman, DMD, in Concord, MA.