Periodontal Therapy – Waverly, NE
Protecting Your Entire Smile
Periodontal disease, otherwise referred to as gum disease is extremely common and effects two-thirds or more of the population over the age of 35. It, like many diseases, cannot be fully eliminated once it has developed, but rather managed or controlled. We control gum disease by debriding the pockets under the gums of plaque, bacteria and tartar deposits. Once the affected areas have been cleaned, we as a team work to keep these areas clean and maintained.
Why Choose Amberly Dental for Periodontal Therapy?
- Periodontal screenings performed at every checkup
- Able to protect a patient from potential tooth loss
- Designed to lower the chances of reinfection in the future
Periodontal Maintenance
Proper homecare and “perio maintenance” appointments are key to managing periodontal disease. Perio maintenance appointments differ from routine cleaning appointments because we continue to clean under the gums. We keep these type of appointments until affected areas show no continuing signs of gum disease or inflammation. Studies show 3-4 month recalls are key for managing active periodontal disease.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are sometimes referred to as a “deep cleaning,” and this treatment is usually our first line of defense against mild to moderate gum disease. First, an ultrasonic cleaner is used to remove any plaque and tartar from below the gum line, and then the roots of the teeth are gently smoothed out. Why do this? This makes plaque and bacteria less likely to gather on them in the future, lowering a person’s chances of reinfection.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
How Did I Get Gum Disease?
Gum disease is common. Everyone has millions of bacteria in the mouth, many which are capable of causing periodontal destruction. We begin acquiring bacteria in our mouth the minute our first tooth erupts. Susceptibility, genetics, as well as environmental factors play a role in developing gum disease. Similarly to heart disease, some factors we can control in reducing our risk or aggressiveness. Making overall healthy choices such as diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco and other drugs, as well as keeping good oral hygiene and making routine health and dental appointments all can reduce your risk.
Will I Ever Get Rid of My Gum Disease?
Once we acquire periodontal disease it does not “go away.” Periodontal disease is actually caused by our own immune response to bacteria in the mouth. Once we have had an active site of periodontal destruction, our body will remember the bacteria when/if it reappears. If the bacteria proliferates again (i.e. infrequent cleanings, poor homecare, stress, etc…) that site will begin producing the active immune response of inflammation and destruction.
Amberly Dental Welcomes New Patients
Visit our Waverly, NE dental office for family-friendly care in a technologically advanced atmosphere. We treat patients of all ages with quality family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and implant dentistry. Our office serves Waverly and nearby Lincoln, as well as Greenwood, Davey, Ashland, Ceresco, and surrounding areas.