What can periodontal therapy do for my smile?

Periodontal Therapy

If your gum tissue has become red, tender, and swollen, then you may want to visit Portland Dental for periodontal treatment. Dr. Schwab and Dr. Kaveen will perform deep cleanings and other treatment solutions in order to heal your gum tissue so you can have a healthy mouth once again. Schedule an appointment with our dentists if you want to receive treatment for gum disease in Portland, Oregon.

If your gums are swollen, red or tender, or if your gums bleed easily, you may have periodontal disease. Other common symptoms of gum disease include loose teeth, painful chewing, persistent bad breath and receding gums that make your teeth appear longer than normal. Following an exam at our office, our dentists and team will be able to determine whether you suffer from periodontal disease.

The treatment for gum disease is based upon your specific needs. Depending on the severity of the condition, our dentists may recommend additional professional dental cleanings, improved at-home oral hygiene, antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), or gum surgery. We strive to help you restore your oral health and halt the progress of the disease. For more information on periodontal treatment, we welcome you to call or visit our office soon. We look forward to caring for your smile!

Treating conditions such as periodontal disease is extremely critical in reducing the effects of this infection. Known as periodontitis or the earlier stage, gingivitis, gum disease can damage the gums, teeth, and jawbone. Drs. Kaveendra Ranasinghe and Cameron Schwab of Portland Dental assist Portland, Oregon, area patients with this and many other dental conditions that can impact the smile. We are pleased to offer non-surgical periodontal therapy for patients ready to combat the infection and improve oral health.

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a degenerative condition primarily caused by bacteria found in plaque. The bacteria inflame and infect the gum tissues, and when left untreated, the gums can eventually begin to pull away from the teeth. Untreated periodontal disease can result in bone loss, tooth loss and gum tissue recession.

What non-surgical periodontal therapy is available?

Non-surgical periodontal therapy usually consists of scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that eliminates tartar and plaque from beneath the gum line. The goal is to reduce inflammation and improve the health of your gums. In some cases, antibiotic medications may be prescribed to help treat the infection. Additionally, laser treatments may be used to help remove bacteria or other debris that cannot be reached with traditional scaling methods.

Other non-surgical and conservative treatment options for gingivitis and periodontitis include:

  • Special mouth rinses designed for fighting plaque and tartar
  • Antibiotic medications, either applied at the dental office or taken orally
  • The use of electric toothbrushes and water picks
  • Extra deep cleanings every three to four months instead of every six
  • Nutritional counseling to improve overall oral health

With proper care and regular hygiene visits, non-surgical periodontal therapy can help prevent further damage to the teeth and gums. Developing a dental treatment plan and a home care plan will help maintain a healthy smile and reduce the damage caused by significant periodontal disease.

How can I address periodontal disease?

Drs. Kaveendra Ranasinghe and Cameron Schwab of Portland Dental are committed to providing patients with solutions to help them maintain a healthy smile, even if they have received a diagnosis of gum disease. Call (503) 221-8123 to request a visit at 511 SW 10th Avenue, Suite #1206, to speak to our providers about your current oral health situation, and find out how you can bring your smile back to beauty and health with our team! We serve patients and families in the communities of Buckman, Sellwood, Downtown Portland, Beaverton, Pearl District, Hillsboro, and Lake Oswego, OR.