Periodontal Disease

As time progresses, bacterial deposits and plaque will stick to your teeth and gums. If you know you have periodontal disease or suspect you might have it, it is important that you obtain assistance from a dentist with experience treating gum problems. Dial (763) 689-1151 to schedule an appointment with Pocrnich Family Dental. Our dentist will determine if you have periodontal disease and also determine the optimal course of treatment. Treatment is typically centered on eliminating the bacterial deposits and plaque that has bult up along the gums and teeth. You can also do your part to keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing at least twice per day, flossing after meals and visiting with our dentist a minimum of once every six months.

If you are saddled with periodontal disease, the dentist will perform a professional deep cleaning in which plaque and tartar are eliminated from the teeth. The teeth are polished and treated with fluoride. If periodontal pockets have developed, they might also require a deep cleaning to catalyze the healing process. Scaling and root planing is central to the deep cleaning process as it scrapes tartar off the teeth and removes rough spots along the tooth root where bacteria collects.

It might also be necessary for the dentist to prescribe antibiotics to combat a persistent gum infection that has not responded to the deep cleaning. This antibiotic might take the form of an oral tablet, gel or mouthwash. If inflammation persists, the dentist might recommend flap surgery to clean the deposits below the gums.