Periodontal Therapy – New Bedford, MA

Keep Your Whole Smile Safe

Woman with healthy smile after periodontal therapy

Early gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is relatively subtle, and it might be possible to reverse it if you practice good oral hygiene and have a professional cleaning performed. More advanced cases need an expert’s touch. Here at Sound Dentistry, you can receive treatment from a board-certified periodontist to keep advanced gum disease from spreading any further and causing widespread damage throughout your mouth. Call us today to set up a consultation to discuss options for periodontal therapy in New Bedford, MA if you’ve noticed redness, bleeding, or other signs of gum disease.

Why Choose Sound Dentistry for Periodontal Therapy?

  • Board-Certified Periodontist on Staff
  • Advanced Chao Pinhole Technique
  • Arestin Antibiotics Available

Scaling & Root Planing

Animated smile during scaling and root planing treatment

Pockets can form between the teeth and gums as a result of untreated gum disease. Plaque can get trapped in these pockets, where they can’t be removed with regular brushing. In order to remove the plaque and tartar causing gum disease before it causes bone and tooth loss, scaling and root planing need to be performed. Scaling gets rid of the bacteria while root planing smooths out the tooth roots. Not only does this help remove the source of gum inflammation, but it also helps the gums reattach to the teeth.

Arestin Antibiotic Therapy

Patient receiving Arestin antibiotic therapy

After scaling and root planing are performed, antibiotic therapy may begin. Some bacteria will likely remain deep in the gum tissue, so antibiotics are required to keep fighting the infection. The treatment is fairly simple; the microspheres containing the antibiotic are placed directly in the pockets so that the medication can be released at regular intervals over the course of a few weeks. Studies shown that antibiotic therapy tend to improve pocket reduction as the patient recovers.

Chao Pinhole Technique

Patient with healthy smile after Chao Pinhole technique treatment

Once the plaque and tartar contributing to gum disease has been dealt with, what can we do to reverse the gum recession that has already occurred? One possible solution is the Chao Pinhole Technique. This minimally invasive procedure simply involves loosening the existing gum tissue in order to expand and slide it so that it covers the exposed parts of the tooth again. It’s a very minor surgery that allows for quick recovery without having to worry about sutures.