When treating periodontal (gum) disease, Dr. Taylor of Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry prefers to take a non-surgical approach to make your mouth healthy again.
How Dr. Taylor Treats Gum Disease Without Surgery
As periodontal disease is a gum infection triggered by bacterial plaque burrowing between the gums and teeth, it is important to treat the infection quickly. Otherwise, the infection can create pockets of space and separate the gums from the teeth. Eventually, the infection will reach the bones supporting the teeth and cause the teeth to loosen then fall out.
To avoid these problems, Dr. Taylor offers a few non-surgical options to treat periodontal disease.
- Scaling and root planing – To treat the source of the periodontal disease, Dr. Taylor will perform a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. As he scales the teeth, the plaque and tartar will be removed from the teeth, both the visible portion and the part of the teeth below the gum line. Once all the plaque and tartar is removed, our dentist will do root planing to make it harder for the bacteria to come back.
- Bite adjustment – If you struggle with loose teeth, these teeth may invite periodontal disease to return, as the bacteria can easily slip between the gums and loose teeth. There are a variety of ways our dentist can reshape your bite such as with veneers, crowns, bonding, and other methods. Once your bite is adjusted, it will be harder for bacteria to find a place to invade.
- Antimicrobials and antibiotics – With serious infections, a combination of antimicrobials and antibiotics may be needed to get the infection under control. These types of prescription medications are not often given, as they suppress the good bacteria in the mouth as well as the invasive bacteria.
Ways To Keep Your Mouth Healthy
To keep periodontal disease from recurring, there are steps you can take to keep your mouth healthy.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to keep from abrading your enamel.
- Floss daily, usually in the evening, to remove any food particles picked up during the day.
- Come to our office for regular dental cleanings.
Once your mouth is healthy and you want to keep improving your smile, Dr. Taylor also offers a variety of cosmetic dental services to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Contact us to set up an appointment to work with one of the top dentists in Billings, MT.
