Periodontal Therapy
Promoting Health
Why is Periodontal Disease a problem?
Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
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Periodontal Disease.
But recently, periodontal disease has been proven to be a threat to more than your teeth. Research has linked the bacteria associated with gum disease with an increase risk in:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Certain cancers, including pancreatic cancer
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Complications controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes
- Low birth weight babies
- Premature birth
A Healthy Smile Is Key to Overall Health!
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What is Periodontal Disease?
Both periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque – a sticky colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at and below the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth beginning within minutes after cleaning. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus. This cannot be removed without professional cleaning.
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process beginning in the gums. The bacteria found in plaque produces toxins that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. However, don’t be fooled. With periodontal disease, bleeding, redness and swelling do not have to be present.
Pain is usually not associated with periodontal disease. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. Untreated, the disease progresses down the root surface into the underlying bone. The end result is the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate resulting in bone loss which destroys the support of your natural teeth leading to tooth loss.
What are factors that impact Periodontal Health?
The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal diseases is by daily tooth brushing and flossing techniques and regular professional examinations and cleanings.
Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
Factors that Increase Chances of Periodontal Disease
- Tobacco use
- Puberty (increased hormones increase gum sensitivity)
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Various medications
- Poor nutrition
Steps to prevent periodontal disease include:
- Daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque from your teeth and gums
- Regular dental visits for professional cleaning
- Regular periodontal evaluations
Call us today at Colony Square Dental Associates, Atlanta Phone Number 404-874-6464 to schedule your appointment.
Periodontal Therapy
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Periodontal Disease:
Systemic Effects & Treatment.
Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone that hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak, they also affect your smile.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Dr. Hochberg, Dr. Diora and Dr. To are very conservative in their approach to treating periodontal disease. They believe in non-surgical treatment whenever appropriate. However, if periodontal disease is advanced, they will refer the patient to a periodontist.
Periodontal Debridement
Debridement is the removal of heavy plaque and calculus from your teeth; it is usually the first step in treating periodontal disease. The plaque and calculus are removed with an ultrasonic scaler. Gentle and effective, this tool removes the build-up with water and high-frequency waves.
Scaling & Root Planing
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Scaling & Root Planing.
For plaque and calculus below the gum line, we use scaling and root planning, a conservative, non-invasive and efficient treatment method.
The initial stage of treatment is a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and calculus deposits beneath the gum line.
The tooth roots may also be planed. This procedure smooths the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.
In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, we may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. These antibiotics control infection and encourage normal healing.
A few weeks after this procedure is completed, the pockets around the teeth are measured to determine if treatment has been effective and they have reduced in size.
When deep pocket areas do not resolve the patient may be referred to a periodontist.
Gum Disease Laser Therapy
The latest conservative gum therapy uses a laser. The laser gently disinfects and evaporates diseased tissues from around the tooth and inside the gum pocket. This treatment interrupts the bacterial destruction of the tissues and bones, giving the gum pockets a chance to heal
Repeated visits, generally 2-8, allow the gum pocket to be disease-free and sometimes allow tissues to reattach to the pocket back to a normal or near-normal depth.
Laser therapy is gentle and has a relatively quick recovery. While surgery may still be indicated for severely advanced periodontal cases, laser therapy is a much more conservative, effective and comfortable option for beginning to moderate periodontal cases.
Patient Reviews for Gum Disease Treatment, Scaling and Root Planing
Colony Square Dental Associates
Patient Review
Always a pleasure to do business with. Still waiting for those tv ads, though.
- Rickey S
Patient Review
I'm glad to call myself a long term customer of CSD!
- Jon D
Patient Review
Super competent, super professional, they are the best.
- Sean A
Patient Review
Excellent experience as always.
- Danna S
Patient Review
I was very anxious coming the first time and was immediately put at ease by the friendly staff. Dr. Diora always thoroughly explains what she's doing and checks in regularly to make sure I'm comfortable. Love this practice!
- Rebecca V
Patient Review
Great experience as always
- John M
Patient Review
Dental visits aren't usually a favorite for folks, but it is always an incredibly pleasant experience. Always go above and beyond. Got a birthday card and even a sympathy card upon my father's death. And the dental work is impeccable. I offer my highest recommendation!
- Dale F
Patient Review
Great office
- Dean T
Patient Review
Everyone in the office is so friendly. Love the staff and location.
- Reggie T
Patient Review
Love the clinic. Karen is GREAT!!! The staff is always friendly and makes u feel right at home!
- Akilah S
Patient Review
Been a satisfied patient for years
- Jennifer M
Patient Review
great smile
- pbhs t
Patient Review
A wonderful experience!
- PBHS T
Patient Review
I've been a patient for 8 years and have been very happy. Dr Diora is fabulous and I really appreciate that she doesn't oversell you on services, only recommends what is necessary to protect the integrity of your teeth.
- Elizabeth D
Patient Review
The hygienist, K2, made the procedure very relaxing ants completely pain free! And the results are incredible! Highly recommended!
- Jennifer W
Patient Review
The staff and doctors are all very friendly and caring. They also explain all what they are doing every step of the way, with their patient's comfort in mind. Great experience!
- Courtney G
Patient Review
Dr. Hochberg and his staff are fabulous! They always put my comfort first and Dr. Hochberg did an amazing job and is so kind and professional!
- Leslie F
Patient Review
I've been visiting this office for over 30 years and I am always so happy with my smile!
- Katherine B
Patient Review
Professional, couteous and gentle. All qualities one wants in their dentist and dental technicians!
- Vanessa S
Patient Review
Dr. Hochberg and Dr. Diora are always fantastic, thorough, and really care! Of course my teeth are their priority, but they always ask about my son, work, and all the important details you'd want a doctor to remember about you. It's truly a family doctors office vibe and I would recommend to my close family and friends. If you are on the market for a new dentist or if you have been on the fence, don't wait!! Try them out!!
- Kayla B