Gum therapy is a non-surgical procedure that treats and reverses gum disease. For many years now, the treatment of gum disease involved cutting and removing the diseased tissues – which is quite an invasive treatment method. It would require longer healing periods, which is why we adhere to advanced gum therapy. If you have gum disease, our dentist may recommend gum therapy to restore your oral health and the aesthetics of your smile.
Dr. Engle is a native Arlington resident with over 30 years of experience in the dentistry field. He has performed this procedure numerous times and gives his patients the best care possible in a comfortable environment.
request an appointmentWHEN IS GUM THERAPY NEEDED?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may need gum therapy:
- Gums bleed when you brush or floss
- Gum tissues appear puffy or swollen
- Loosened teeth, or teeth that have shifted position
- Teeth that appear longer than normal due to a receding gum line
- Pus between the teeth and gums
WHAT DOES GUM THERAPY ENTAIL?
There are several forms of gum therapy. Some treatments use lasers to reduce bacteria, while others use antibiotic medication that neutralizes bacteria. Laser gum therapy utilizes a high-intensity laser to vaporize the decayed gum tissues instantly. The laser only focuses on the infected tissues and doesn’t harm the adjacent healthy tissues. The best feature of this therapy is that there is no need for any cuts – meaning that bleeding is significantly reduced. Also, the healing time is minimal.
Along with laser therapy, we recommend highly effective antibiotic medication, such as Arestin, to keep the infection from spreading. It also helps the tissues heal quicker, as the microbial deposits are restricted from progressing. Typically, the entire gum therapy process may take more than one visit to our dental practice.
WHAT CAN ONE EXPECT DURING A GUM THERAPY APPOINTMENT?
During your appointment, our dentist will use an ultrasonic scaling tool to gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and root surfaces. This will also help to smoothen the surface of your teeth. Next, we will remove the decayed tissues using laser therapy. The medication to stop the spread of the infection will be placed in the gum pockets. Our dentist will give you suitable instructions to follow during the healing period.
To find out more about the dental services offered at Arlington Family Dental Care, call (817) 274-8439 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit Dentist in Arlington TX at 2621 Matlock Road, Suite 103, Arlington, TX 76015.