Gum Disease Treatment – Boston, MA
How We Stop Gum Disease in Its Tracks
Gum disease (also commonly referred to as periodontal disease) is one of the most common health problems in the world as well as the leading cause of tooth loss among adults here in the United States. While this bacterial infection may start out relatively benign and harmless, untreated cases can quickly get out of control – that’s why the Devonshire Dental of Boston team takes this threat to your oral health and happiness very seriously. We screen for gum disease at every single checkup and cleaning, and our doctors will be sure to let you know if there is cause for concern. Our team features Dr. Annie Amsalem, who is a trained periodontist and can personally care for even advanced cases of infection. To schedule your next appointment, contact our dental office today for gum disease treatment in Boston, MA! We’re located in the heart of downtown Boston within the Financial District.
Why Choose Devonshire Dental of Boston for Gum Disease Treatment?
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Periodontist (Gum Care Specialist)
on Staff -
Led by Husband &
Wife Dentists -
Fast & Comfortable
Laser Therapy
Scaling & Root Planing
When gum disease is caught relatively early, we can often put a stop to it with a special type of dental cleaning called scaling and root planing. First, we remove all of the bacteria-filled tartar accumulated around the gum line, and then the roots of the teeth are slightly reshaped and smoothed. This jumpstarts the healing process and also makes it more difficult for plaque to gather near the gums in the future.
Do You Need Scaling & Root Planing?
To determine whether scaling and root planing is ideal for you, we will complete an examination of your mouth. X-rays will also be captured to collect as much information as possible. Depending on the condition of your gums, the depth of your gum pockets, and the progression of your gum disease, we may recommend scaling & root planing.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
The complete scaling and root planing process is completed over the course of two appointments. However, treatment length varies for each patient. To remove plaque and tartar, we will start by scaling the teeth with dental tools. We will target the gumline and beneath where bacteria build up.
After the scaling portion is complete, we will move on to the root planing part of the treatment. This is when we smooth down sections of the teeth beneath the gumline. This helps the gums to adhere to the teeth, speaking up the healing process and making it more challenging for the bacteria to build up again. Ultimately, this process reduces the risk of developing gum disease again in the future.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
It is normal for the gums to feel a little bit sore following scaling and root planing. The gums may also be a little bit inflamed. This is temporary and should go away within a couple of weeks. Here are some tips to help the healing process go quickly and smoothly.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater after meals.
- Floss every day.
- Stick to a soft diet following your treatment
- Avoid foods and beverages that are spicy, acidic, or hot.
- Refrain from intense physical exercise until the area heals.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser dentistry has completely revolutionized the way dentists treat the gums. Rather than using incisions and sutures to help patients with advanced gum disease, we can take a gentler, more precise approach using a soft tissue laser. The light it emits gives off practically no heat or sound while it quickly and seamlessly removes bacteria and infected tissue, meaning the patient basically feels nothing while in the chair.
Arestin Antibiotic Therapy
As gum disease progresses, it can cause pockets of bacteria to form between the teeth and gums that are extremely hard to clean with conventional methods. So, we can instead apply a topical antibiotic called Arestin, which looks like a powder, but it’s actually thousands of microspheres filled with medicine. After it’s applied, the spheres slowly melt, allowing the medicine to reach the tiniest spaces and eliminate the infection wherever it might be hiding.
Do I Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease can often be very subtle in the beginning stages, which is why scheduling regular checkups at our dental office is so strongly recommended. However, some tell-tale symptoms should be paid attention to. These include:
- Gum tissue that bleeds, especially when brushing or flossing
- Serious bad breath that continues to linger even after brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash
- Gum tissue that looks overly swollen or red
- Teeth that gradually appear longer over time (a very clear sign of a receding gum line)
- Teeth that appear to be mobile/ loose
How Do You Treat Gum Disease?
The most common treatment for combating gum disease is scaling and root planing, which is an in-depth cleaning that goes beyond a typical hygiene appointment. Our team will target the areas hidden underneath your gum line, thoroughly eliminating built-up plaque and tartar so that your soft tissue can successfully reattach to the teeth. We’ll also carefully smooth the rough surfaces along with the tooth roots, which are big targets for harmful bacteria. Our hope is to guide your oral health towards recovery as effectively as possible. An additional service we offer is antibiotic therapy with ARESTIN, which is typically used in combination with scaling and root planing. The antibiotic is applied directly to the treated areas of the gum tissue, where it continues to work to eliminate dangerous bacteria that may have been inadvertently left behind.