What gum disease therapy options are available to Houston, TX area patients?

Dr. Monti Harpalani and the team of Vivid Dental in Houston, TX take the time to educate their patients on the importance of maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Without proper care and attention, patients may become susceptible to problems such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. At our practice, we welcome patients to our facility to learn as much as possible about how to care for their smile, and we encourage them to find out what gum disease therapy options are available to them if periodontal disease does develop.

Patients in the Houston, TX area can avoid the development of periodontal disease by brushing, flossing, and maintaining their regular visits with Dr. Monti Harpalani. Regular visits should occur at least twice a year during which patients will have a series of x-rays completed to check on the health of their teeth and can undergo a physical examination and professional cleaning. During this time, patients will be advised as to any concerns which may have developed since their last visit such as signs of decay or disease.

If patients are diagnosed with gum disease, they need to take action as soon as possible. This is especially true for patients with the initial stage known as gingivitis’s. Gingivitis is the stage of the disease that is noticed due to the red, swollen gums and bleeding while brushing and flossing. At this point, the condition is reversible. Patients can visit their dentist for a professional cleaning of all the surfaces of the teeth and gums which can help all that may be contributing to the condition including the removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Additionally, some patients may benefit from the application of antibiotics or oral medication to help control the infection. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to check on the progress of treatment while patients follow a strict home health care regimen.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can further progress into the later stages of periodontal disease. This requires more extensive gum disease therapy, such as scaling and root planing. This procedure is done to remove plaque and tarter from all surfaces of the teeth, including the root structure underneath the gums. This is done to help bring the smile back to health. Again, antibiotics may be prescribed or applied directly to the gums to eradicate the infection.