Serving Patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN
If left untreated, gum disease also referred to as periodontal disease, will not go away. Instead, it will manifest into more severe symptoms, increasing your risk of tooth loss. Plus, untreated gum disease increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes, among other risks that affect your health. At Tusculum Dental Care, we take an individualized approach to treating gum disease, and the application of Arestin is one way to help combat the disease.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria, which form tartar buildup around your teeth and gums if not frequently cleaned by brushing and flossing. However, even with your best efforts, brushing and flossing still are not enough to eliminate tartar buildup in its entirety. This is why routine dental cleanings and exams are important because only a professional dental cleaning can thoroughly remove tartar buildup.
Studies indicate that more than three-quarters of adults in the U.S. have gum disease. Even worse is that many have left their condition untreated, which means it can quickly progress into irreversible stages of gum disease. In the advanced stage, the bacteria that causes gum disease will begin to build up under the gum line, and eventually may lead to tooth loss and the loss of jawbone.
However, the problem does not stop there. At this late stage, the bacteria have access to your bloodstream and can travel throughout your body including your heart.
How can gum disease be treated?
Treating gum disease requires a commitment by the patient. This means that regular oral hygiene habits of brushing twice a day and flossing daily must be adhered to, as well as visiting your Greeneville dentist at Tusculum Dental Care for routine cleanings, and treatments when necessary.
To clean below the gum line, our experienced dental hygienist will perform what is called a scaling and root planing procedure. This is basically a “deep” cleaning of your teeth in which tartar buildup is removed from the roots of your teeth, and the roots are then made smooth to facilitate healing of the gum tissue. Following this procedure, many of our patients that suffer from gum disease receive an added benefit from the application of an antibiotic called Arestin.
What is Arestin?
Arestin is a powder-form oral antibiotic that is applied directly inside of the periodontal pockets (areas under gum line that harbor harmful oral bacteria) that have been freshly cleaned by our dental hygienist. It works to help kill harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. Arestin is sometimes used as a standalone treatment for gum disease, however many patients see exceptional improvement when used following a scaling and root planing treatment.
Proven Results
According to research, Arestin can help reduce the size of periodontal pockets caused by gum disease. Since it helps kill harmful bacteria, it is an effective method of treating gum disease, especially when used in conjunction with other treatments. If your gums frequently bleed as a result of gum disease, Arestin may help minimize this bleeding.
Gum Disease Treatment in Greeneville
At Tusculum Dental Care, we combine our experience and knowledge when treating our patients. Our patient-focused approach means that we can provide quality dental care, in a caring and professional manner. It is time to protect your oral health, as well as your overall health, from the devastating effects of periodontal disease.
To learn more about how to improve your oral health or combat periodontal disease by the application of Arestin, contact Tusculum Dental Care by calling (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation.
Tusculum Dental Care is proud to provide total oral health care for patients in the areas of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee.