Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums that becomes worse over time if not treated. A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology reports that 46 percent of people in the US over the age of 30 have gum disease.

When gum disease is allowed to progress, it causes damage to gum and bone tissue and can result in the loss of one or more teeth. The symptoms of gum disease are not always apparent so it is important to get regular dental visits and expert periodontal care.

Why Seek the Help of a Periodontist for Gum Disease?

Periodontists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. They undertake an additional three years of education beyond that of a general dentist. Dr. Ovadia and Dr. Tanur are periodontists and are experts at effectively treating mild, moderate and severe gum disease.

Our Approach to Combating Gum Disease

Our doctors use many advanced procedures to provide highly effective and minimally invasive treatment. The type of treatment used depends on how much the gum disease has progressed.

Deep Cleaning for Mild to Moderate Gum Disease Treatment

Deep cleaning, also known as root scaling or root planing, is the first line of attack in combating mild to moderate gum disease (also known as Gingivitis).

Deep cleaning is the removal of bacterial plaque and calculus that have accumulated on the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline. The tooth root surface is then smoothed out, making it harder for bacteria to attach to the tooth and easier for the gums to re-attach to the tooth.

Minimally Invasive, Effective Cleaning with Ultrasonic Scalers

In addition to hand instruments, we use ultrasonic scalers to gently clean the surfaces of your teeth. The ultrasonic scalers emit high-frequency vibrations that gently remove the plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces. The scalers can be adjusted for your comfort and are less invasive than standard hand instruments.

Advanced Gum Treatment with Antibiotic Therapy

The doctor sometimes uses local antibiotic therapy to kill the bacteria that remain after deep cleaning. The local antibiotic formula is placed in the gum pocket in the form of tiny microspheres.

Advanced Dental Lasers

For moderate gum disease, the doctors will sometimes provide laser treatment as an effective alternative to gum surgery. A laser is used to disinfect the gums and remove diseased tissue. Laser treatment is more comfortable and has a faster recovery time than traditional surgery.

Gum surgery for severe gum disease

In cases of severe periodontitis, the doctor will need to access deeper into the bone defect and around the gum tissue covering the root of the affected tooth. He will then remove all the accumulated plaque and calculus residing on the tooth roots and smooth the root surfaces so the gum can reattach firmly to the tooth. A firm attachment eliminates any pocket where bacteria can accumulate.

Could I Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease can progress without any warnings or symptoms, which is why we recommend seeking expert help for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The first step is to come in for an exam so that Dr. Tanur and Dr. Ovadia can determine whether you have gum disease and assess its level of progression. After a comprehensive exam, the doctors will recommend appropriate treatment.

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Digital panoramic X-rays, 3D CT scan if needed
Periodontal probing and charting
Comprehensive oral exam
Oral cancer screening
Consultation with the doctor
Discuss your treatment options
Get all your questions answered
Written treatment plan

A $245 Value!

To make an appointment, call 214-377-0855 or request an appointment online.