At Southard Family Dentistry, our team understands the strong connection between gum health and total body health. For patients who require extra periodontal care, we offer a selection of treatments designed to prevent and manage gum disease. Dr. Bond-Southard and her team offer top gum disease and periodontal treatment near Jonesboro, AR and beyond!
With advanced preventive care and periodontal therapy, we work to identify underlying issues in the gums as early as possible, to ensure you get the treatment you need. Our regular dental cleanings and examinations also include plenty of preventive care and maintenance on gum lines!
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease is a general term for a build-up of bacteria and inflammation of the gum line. Gum disease is often caused by poor oral care routines, skipping dental appointments, genetics, advanced age, or chronic illness.
If your gum disease is left untreated, you could be at a higher risk for developing the following conditions:
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- ...and more!
What are the Symptoms Of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is not always obvious to those who are experiencing its earliest phases, which is why it's so important to attend regular dental checkups at Southard Family Dentistry. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, it's time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bond-Southard and her team:
- Loose teeth
- Tooth and mouth pain
- Swollen, receding, or painful gums
- Bleeding while brushing and flossing
- Mouth sores
- Bad breath
- A change in your bite
- Poorly fitting dentures
How We Treat Gum Disease
Although gum disease can evolve into a serious condition if left untreated, our team has the right tools, technologies, and know-how to restore your gums to a healthy condition. We offer the following periodontal treatments:
Pinhole Rejuvenation
Did you know that receding gums can weaken your teeth, causing root damage that could, ultimately, lead to tooth loss? If your gum disease has caused considerable gum recession, we may recommend pinhole gum therapy to restore your healthy smile.
Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Using specially designed instruments, the gum tissue is guided over the receded part of the tooth for near-instant cosmetic results. Because there is no cutting or stitches, patients can expect minimal post-operative symptoms such as; pain, swelling or bleeding.
Benefits of pinhole rejuvenation include:
- Reduced patient discomfort after treatment
- Faster recovery for the patient than traditional grafting
- No need for uncomfortable sutures, scalpels, or invasive surgical tools
- Natural-looking, long-lasting results
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is one of the most common procedures for treating gingivitis by deep cleaning below the gum line and smoothing the surface of the tooth. Scaling and root planing removes plaque, bacteria, and acid buildup that can cause gum inflammation.
A simple SRP helps to restore and promote healthier teeth, gums, and overall oral health while also preventing gum disease at every stage.
Gingivectomies
A gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gingiva (i.e., gum tissue). A gingivectomy may be necessary when the gums have pulled away from the teeth, creating deep pockets that make it hard to clean away plaque and calculus. At Southard Family Dentistry, our team may perform a gingivectomy to prevent damage to the bone that supports the teeth.
Arestin
Arestin is a localized, slow-release antibiotic treatment designed to effectively kill the bacteria that causes gum disease. Your dentist can include the application of Arestin underneath the gum tissue during your regular preventive appointment or during a targeted periodontal treatment.
Arestin can help seal the effects of your SRP deep cleaning, continuing to combat bacteria in the gums long after your visit!
Advanced Periodontal Care For Healthier Smiles
Take care of your gums and your total body health. Contact Southard Family Dentistry today to schedule your periodontal exam!
