Periodontal Care in Downtown Chattanooga
What Is Periodontal Care?
Periodontal care focuses on treating gum disease, which affects the tissues supporting your teeth. Gum disease worsens progressively. It all begins with gingivitis, moving on to periodontitis and even severe periodontitis if left untreated. While gingivitis can often be reversed with better oral hygiene, more advanced cases of gum disease require professional intervention, including deep cleanings or, in some cases, surgical treatment.
Maintaining healthy gums is crucial for your oral health in general. At McKinney Dental, Dr. Josh McKinney offers experienced periodontal care and treatments for periodontal disease. Your healthy smile matters – so let’s keep it that way.
Periodontal Care at McKinney Dental in Chattanooga, TN
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is a chronic condition, meaning it cannot be completely cured once it reaches the periodontitis stage. However, we can effectively manage it with regular maintenance and care. Catching gum disease in its early stages, such as gingivitis, allows for successful treatment. By catching it early, we can prevent increased damage to your gums and teeth.
What to Expect During Periodontal Care Near Chattanooga, TN
Local Anesthetic
To ensure you’re comfortable during your treatment, Dr. McKinney may apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. Periodontal treatments can be more sensitive than routine cleanings, but the numbing ensures a comfortable experience.
Scaling
Using specialized instruments, Dr. McKinney will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from beneath your gum line and between your teeth. This step is vital to clean out the harmful bacteria that create and reinforce gum disease.
Root Planing
After scaling, we’ll smooth the roots of your teeth out through a process called root planing. This helps to reduce the formation of pockets where bacteria can flourish and helps your gums to heal and reattach themselves to your teeth.
Antibiotic Therapy
Depending on your condition, you may receive antibiotic treatment as part of your periodontal care. Dr. McKinney may apply antibiotics directly to your gums during the procedure, provide an antibiotic rinse, or prescribe oral antibiotics to help combat infection and gum decay. This is usually reserved for severe gum disease.
How Do We Treat Periodontitis?
1. Deep Cleaning
The most common treatment for gum disease is a procedure known as scaling and root planing, in tandem with deep gum cleaning. During this deep cleaning, Dr. McKinney will remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from deep within your gums and around your teeth. Smoothing the roots of your teeth helps prevent bacteria from settling in pockets around the gums.
This procedure is minimally invasive. We usually use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Deep cleanings are usually done in two sessions, cleaning one half of your mouth at each appointment.
2. Antibiotic Therapy
For mild to moderate cases of gum disease, deep cleanings combined with antibiotic therapy can effectively control the condition.
Periodontal Maintenance
To manage gum disease and keep it from becoming more severe, periodontal maintenance appointments are essential. These visits, typically scheduled every 3 to 4 months, help keep bacteria under control and ensure your gums remain healthy.
If you currently have symptoms of gum disease, like bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum tenderness, schedule an appointment at McKinney Dental today. We’re your specialist dentist for gum disease in Chattanooga. Trust us to help protect your gums and maintain a healthy smile.
Turn to McKinney Dental for the periodontal care you need.
Transform your smile with the best dentist in downtown Chattanooga – schedule your appointment with McKinney Dental today for a personalized, comfortable, and expert dental experience.
