Gum Disease Treatment – Waldorf, MD
Saving Your Smile from Infected Gums
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. It may not seem like much of a threat at first, but as the condition becomes more advanced, the damage that it’s doing to your mouth and jaw will become more apparent. The good news is that gum disease can be treated before it costs you any teeth or leads to even worse health issues. Give Open Smiles Dental a call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Akinwande for gum disease treatment in Waldorf, MD if you’re worried about periodontal disease.
Why Choose Open Smiles Dental for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Highly Experienced Dentist
- Efficient, Caring Dental Team
- Antibiotic Therapy Available
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are two halves of what’s known as a deep cleaning, which is typically the procedure of choice for treating more advanced cases of gum disease. Scaling is the process of removing the plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline where you would have a hard time reaching with your toothbrush. Root planing involves smoothing out the roots of the teeth; this makes it easier for the gums to reattach to the enamel while also creating a surface that bacteria can’t cling to as easily.
Antibiotic Therapy
Even after scaling and root planing, some harmful bacteria may remain in your mouth. For this reason, antibiotic therapy is normally included as part of periodontal treatment. We typically prescribe doxycycline to fight the bacteria that cause gum disease. The medication keeps the number of bacteria from growing, thus stopping your gum disease from growing any worse after your treatment. Combining antibiotic therapy with deep cleaning can go a long way towards helping your mouth recover from the worst effects of gum disease.