Gum disease is a very common infection of the gums and bone that gradually destroys the supporting structures for your teeth, resulting in persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, receding gum tissue and loose teeth. Dr. Bozeman will diagnose if you have gum disease and help you develop a plan to maintain healthy teeth and gums for many years.
Patients in the early stages of gum disease may benefit most from scaling and root planing therapy. This is a non-surgical treatment performed under local anesthesia. We use an ultrasonic tool and small hand instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth and remove gum infection below the gum line. We then smooth the surfaces of the roots so the gum tissues can reattach to the teeth. Scaling and root planing helps eliminate inflammation, reducing the depths of periodontal pockets and improves gum health. Maintaining results after this treatment is easier with a diligent brushing and flossing routine alongside regular periodontal maintenance visits.
Periodontal maintenance therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent the progression of gum disease and preserve your teeth and bone. Gum disease is a chronic condition and continued care and follow up is a necessary part of your treatment plan if you have been treated for gum disease. Periodontal maintenance visits typically occur every three to four months to keep the disease at bay by removing causative factors. Our dental hygienists will continue to measure the spaces between the teeth and gums to ensure gum health is maintained and treat any recurring areas of active periodontal infection. Periodontal maintenance is extremely important for preserving your teeth for a lifetime.
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We believe you deserve to be completely comfortable with the dental process, and we believe in offering the best possible technology we can to ensure your needs are met. In fact, we are the only dental practice in the region to offer X imaging. Every year, we invest in continuing education to ensure you receive the latest advances.