At Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing, we believe healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile. Our team is dedicated to helping you prevent, treat, and manage gum disease through our comprehensive periodontal therapy services. Our dentists put patients first, so you can rest assured you will be well cared for at our Lansing dental office.
What is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy is a range of treatments designed to heal and restore your gums when they’re affected by gum disease. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and hardens into tartar.
Without treatment, gum disease can lead to loose teeth, painful chewing, and even tooth loss. The good news is that with proper care and periodontal therapy, we can stop the disease from getting worse and help your gums heal.
Signs You Might Need Periodontal Therapy
Many people don’t realize they have gum disease until it’s advanced. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from your teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus between your teeth and gums
If you notice any of these signs, please call Cavanaugh Dental right away. Early treatment is the key to restoring your smile and preventing more serious health problems.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. Your gums might look red and swollen and bleed easily when you brush or floss. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with professional cleaning and good home care.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pulls away from the teeth and forms pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected.
As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may need to be removed. With proper treatment, we can stop the damage and help preserve your teeth.
Periodontal Treatments in Lansing, MI
At Cavanaugh Dental, we offer several effective treatments for gum disease. Our dental care team will evaluate the condition of your gums and assess the stage or severity of existing gum disease. Treatment is designed to stop the progression of gum disease and support your oral health.
Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning treatment removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smooths the tooth roots (planing) to help the gums reattach to the teeth. We may use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during this procedure.
Antibiotic Therapy
We may place antibiotics directly in the periodontal pockets or prescribe oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infection and promote healing.
Laser Therapy
Our advanced laser treatments can remove diseased tissue and bacteria with less discomfort and faster healing than traditional methods.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active treatment, regular maintenance visits are essential to keep gum disease under control. These visits include thorough cleanings, monitoring of pocket depths, and adjustments to your home care routine as needed.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes (during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause)
- Medications that reduce saliva flow
- Genetic factors
- Crooked teeth that are hard to clean
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
Understanding your risk factors helps us create a personalized plan to protect your gum health.
Benefits of Periodontal Therapy
Getting treatment for gum disease doesn’t just save your smile. It protects your overall health. Research has linked gum disease to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and even certain cancers.
By investing in periodontal therapy, you’ll enjoy fresher breath, a more attractive smile, and reduced risk of tooth loss. Treating gum disease can improve overall health and prevent bone loss in your jaw. You may experience reduced sensitivity and feel more comfortable eating and speaking.
Why Choose Cavanaugh Dental for Periodontal Therapy?
Our Lansing, MI, dental team combines expertise with compassion to deliver the highest-quality periodontal care. We use the latest techniques and technologies to make your treatment as comfortable and effective as possible.
We don’t just treat your symptoms; we work with you to address the underlying causes of gum disease and develop strategies to prevent it from returning.
Schedule Your Periodontal Consultation Today
Don’t wait until gum disease causes serious damage to your smile and health. Contact Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing, MI, today to schedule a periodontal evaluation. Our friendly team is ready to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums for life.
Call us at (517) 760-6845 or request an appointment online. Your gums will thank you!