Gum Disease Treatment – North Raleigh, NC
Helping Your
Infected Gums Heal
Periodontal disease (also commonly known as gum disease) is one of the most common health problems on the planet, with countless patients being unaware of their condition. This happens because the signs and symptoms can be very subtle at first and even unnoticeable for untrained eyes, resulting in oral damage that could have been avoided earlier on. Here in North Raleigh, NC, Dr. Philip Lisk will take care to diagnose periodontal disease at the earliest stages possible, providing the appropriate treatment and protecting your healthy, happy smile.
Why Choose Dr. Philip A. Lisk for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Advanced Technology for Planning Treatments
- Meticulous, Relatable Dentist with Gentle Touch
- Relaxing Sedation Options and Welcoming Office
Symptoms & Risks of Periodontal Disease
Attending routine check-ups with a skilled and supportive dental team like ours is the most important step to take to ensure whether or not you're struggling with periodontal disease. However, there are tell-tale symptoms patients look for at home that may indicate the need for an earlier visit. These include:
- Gum tissue that is significantly red or swollen
- Oral bleeding that occurs when flossing or brushing
- Serious bad breath that lingers after oral hygiene
- Teeth that appear longer over time (a sign of a receding gum line)
- A change in the way your bite fits together or in the way your teeth feel
There are also risk factors that can increase a person's chances of having periodontal disease. These include:
- A regular smoking habit
- Taking medications that reduce the flow of saliva
- Genetics
- The presence of diabetes
- The presence of AIDS
- Undergoing treatment for certain cancers
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Our recommendation for periodontal treatment depends on the severity of your case. In the early stages of this disease, patients experience gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums. This can be reversed with more frequent cleanings at our North Raleigh practice and a more effective oral hygiene routine at home.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it will advance to a stage known as periodontitis, which results in the gums starting to pull away from the teeth and create bacteria-filled “pockets.” To combat these concerns, Dr. Lisk can provide an in-depth, non-surgical cleaning known as scaling and root planing. This will involve our team removing plaque and tartar from the gum line and smoothing away rough areas from the tooth roots.
Scaling & Root Planing
When regular dental cleanings no longer do the job, a deep cleaning is required to stop the infection in your mouth from spreading any further. This is accomplished through scaling & root planing. During scaling, special instruments are used to remove bacteria from the teeth and gums; special attention is paid to the area beneath the gum line where a traditional cleaning wouldn’t reach. The root planing step is focused on helping with recovery; we’ll make sure the roots of the teeth are smooth enough for the gums to reattach themselves.
Antibiotic Therapy
Even after scaling & root planing have been performed, it takes time for the gums to heal. You don’t want the bacteria in your mouth to cause further damage before you’ve fully recovered, which is why we’ll use special kind of antibiotic called doxycycline to help you fight the infection. Simply take the medication as directed (usually about once or twice a day after meals). The medication won’t necessarily treat the infection itself, but it will help prevent the gum tissue from breaking down further.