Honolulu Dentist - Dr. Patel - Periodontal Disease Treatment

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your Kauai / Oahu dentist, Dr. Patel, and his dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues.  When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended.  You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended.  It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing).  This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.  Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.  Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).

At Dr. Patel’s elegantly appointed Honolulu general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry offices, patients can choose from an array of advanced procedures. Some of the treatments patients request more often include placement of porcelain veneers and tooth whitening in Oahu / Kauai. In addition, Dr. Patel offers dental implants and is regarded as one of the best Honolulu dental implants specialists.

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