Periodontal Treatments in Gainesville, GA

Time is of the essence when gingivitis advances into periodontal gum disease and you need to have an experienced general dentist, like Dr. Patrick B. Toms, to intervene. Once gingivitis progresses into periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, you risk the health of your facial bones, your teeth, and your overall oral health. There are many people who think that brushing and flossing their teeth should be enough to keep them from tooth loss. It is not enough. You may think you are brushing away the food, bacteria, and buildup off of your teeth, but chances are you missed a few spots. Having a dental cleaning twice a year and a dental exam are also very good measures to avoid gum disease. However, if you are not seeing your dentist or having your teeth cleaned regularly, then the leftover bacteria can wreak havoc on your teeth if left untreated. We invite you to have a screening for periodontal disease and learn about the treatments we offer at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. in Gainesville, GA. We are accepting new patients with or without a referral.

When you have gum disease, you can consider yourself a candidate for periodontal treatment for the rest of your life. You will always need to be on the defense against bacteria on your teeth and gums. Candidates for periodontal treatments can have varying symptoms, including:

• Smelly breath
• Bad tasting mouth
• Feeling pain while chewing
• Red, inflamed gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Tooth loss
• Bone deterioration in your jaw
• Loss of healthy soft tissues in your mouth

If you are currently enduring any or several of these symptoms, you should arrange for a consultation at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. right away.

There are many periodontal treatments that can be used to combat gum disease. The main goal is to prevent further infection. Dr. Toms and his team at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. usually start with a small tool referred to as a probe. Periodontal probing allows Dr. Toms to check and measure your gum pockets around and under the teeth. X-rays will also help confirm any bone loss.

Depending on measurements, the depth of the pocket and symptoms present will determine the necessary treatments. We normally begin with a focused, deep cleaning and plaque removal with a technique referred to as scaling and root planing. You may benefit from a round of antibiotic injections directly administer in the gums. Prescription medication can also be taken to attack infections. For more advanced cases, gum surgery and bone/tissue grafts will be considered to provide support for future restoratives like dental implants.

Since periodontal therapies are customized based on the severity of the disease (and also the needs of the patient), healing timeframes and directions will differ. It's extremely important that you brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss frequently to eliminate buildup accumulating in the gums and on the teeth. We also ask that you see Dr. Toms, D.M.D. for routine dental exams and professional cleanings. 

Since the suggested treatments for gum disease could vary, so may insurance coverage and related costs. If you don't have health insurance, Dr. Toms can talk about treatment options and costs to help make your out-of-pocket cost as affordable as possible. During your consult, inquire about medical financing options with CareCredit®.

Though your periodontal disease is not entirely curable, it can be managed. We do this with comprehensive periodontal treatments, regular cleanings, and scheduled checkups by a skilled dental staff can help to keep your symptoms manageable and mild. If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of periodontal gum disease, or you would like more information, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Toms at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. in North Georgia today.