Periodontal Treatment

Improve your oral health with periodontal treatments from our caring team at Waterman Family Dentistry.

If you’re struggling with gum disease, you’re not alone. Nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. While common, periodontal disease can impact your health in a number of ways, from bleeding gums to jawbone density loss. It may even impact your overall health, leading to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Good oral health practices at home and regular dental checkups are the best way to prevent gum disease—Call 757-340-8155 to speak with our staff and schedule your periodontal treatment today.

Who Qualifies for Periodontal Treatment?

Periodontal disease is often the result of the build-up of plaque and tartar. Anyone who hasn’t had a recent dental cleaning or has been less-than-stellar about flossing may be a good candidate for periodontal treatment.

Smokers, people who frequently consume alcohol, and those with poor nutritional intake may be more susceptible to gum disease. Periodontal disease can also result from an imbalance of hormones or certain medical conditions.

Non-Surgical Treatments of Scaling and Root Planing

If your dental hygienist recognizes signs of periodontal disease in its early stages, treatments that don’t require surgery may be an option—one more reason to keep up with regular cleaning and exams. Scaling and root planing are the most common types of non-surgical periodontal treatments. These treatments involve a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums.

Scaling

Scaling is the process of removing plaque from the teeth. If plaque remains untreated, the bacteria can lead to significant decay and tooth loss. Gum diseases associated with plaque and tartar build-up may also put patients at greater risk for:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Kidney issues
• Cancer

Root Planing

Root planing follows the scaling process. During root planing, one of our dental hygienists will remove plaque below the gumline. Plaque beneath the gums is the most common cause of periodontal disease, particularly in patients with significant gum pocket depth. Your hygienist will also smooth the roots of your teeth so that they have a healthy reattachment to the gums.

Preparation and Post-Treatment Care

To prepare for periodontal treatment:

• Be aware that the process may take place over multiple visits
• Know that we will administer a local anesthetic
• Let our team know about any immune system illnesses or other health conditions

After the treatment, you may experience minor discomfort. Proceed with your normal oral hygiene routine and avoid hard foods while your mouth heals.

Contact Us Today for Gum Disease Treatment

At Waterman Family Dentistry, we offer cosmetic, restorative, and preventative treatments that cover a wide variety of patient needs. With almost a decade of experience, you can count on us for quality care and friendly service.

To schedule a periodontal treatment or an oral checkup, call our office today at 757-340-8155. We’re conveniently located off I-264 in Virginia Beach, VA.