Periodontal Care in Coral Springs, FL

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease occurs when plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, builds up on teeth. The bacteria in plaque infect the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. 

Untreated plaque buildup can form tartar, a hard substance that sits between the teeth and gums, which forces them apart and harbors plaque. Plaque can only be removed through a professional teeth cleaning.n

As periodontal disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria, but the bacteria can still destroy gum and bone tissue. Without treatment, the teeth may eventually become loose and require extraction.

Gum Disease Treatment at Optimum Dentistry

Dr. Santana uses advanced techniques to stop periodontal disease and save patients’ natural teeth. Treatment options may include:

Scaling and Root Planing

This non-surgical gum disease treatment removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line. A dental hygienist will thoroughly scale and polish tooth surfaces above and below the gum line. This removes bacterial biofilms and smoothes roots to facilitate healing. It can effectively treat gingivitis and mild gum disease.

Antimicrobials

For moderate or advanced gum disease, antibiotic therapy often works in conjunction with scaling and root planing. Powerful antimicrobial rinses, gels, powders, or controlled-release products are placed under the gum line or applied to diseased pockets of gum tissue. These reduce bacterial load and help tissues heal after deep cleanings.

Laser Therapy

Dr. Santana will use advanced dental lasers to kill inflammation-causing bacteria deep within periodontal pockets. The laser energy also stimulates the regeneration of gum tissue and bone following gum disease. This is a comfortable, non-surgical option for reducing pocket depths and eliminating gum disease.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Pocket reduction surgery (also called flap surgery or osseous surgery) involves surgically reducing the size of the pockets that form between teeth and gums due to periodontal disease. These abnormally deep pockets allow bacteria to accumulate beneath the gum line, leading to more severe gum disease and bone or tooth loss. Surgically removing them helps the gums reattach and reduces the amount of bacteria.