Non-Surgical treatments in Los Angeles, CA

Gum disease is more than just irritating bleeding gums; it's a severe and progressive condition that, over time, can lead to tooth loss, substantially impacting your quality of life. Gingivitis, an inflammation that can evolve into periodontitis, can gravely harm the bone and soft tissue that attach to the teeth in advanced stages. However, the early stages of gum disease can be treated at Carlston Dental Group, using non-surgical periodontal disease therapies, including scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and periodontal care.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is common when the gums become inflamed due to plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a thin biofilm that constantly forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing daily, it eventually hardens into tartar. This irritates the gum tissues and causes them to become red and swollen. The gums bleed easily and become susceptible to infection. Without treatment for this condition, it can escalate into periodontitis.

Periodontitis

When plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar, which a dentist can only remove. Once this calculus forms on your teeth, your gums can become irritated and red. As the infection progresses, your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth, causing periodontal pockets to form. These pockets collect food particles and bacteria, which can cause further irritation to your gums. Over time, your gums will recede, resulting in loose teeth and sensitive gums. If left untreated, the infection can eventually spread to the underlying bone and cause additional tooth loss. The symptoms of periodontal disease can range from very mild to severe, depending on how far the disease has progressed. If you are experiencing any symptoms, we recommend that you contact our practice right away to schedule an appointment. 

Arestin Antibiotic Treatment

Arestin is a medicine that heals the gums and bones affected by gum disease, helping patients to avoid tooth loss. This medication can be combined with scaling and root planing treatments to completely heal the infection and prevent it from returning. A deep cleaning may be recommended when a patient has early stages of periodontal disease or gingivitis. Typically called scaling and root planing, this treatment cleans between the teeth and along the gum line to remove all plaque, tartar, food particles, and other debris that can cause infection. Arestin is then placed in the pockets of the gum to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. The antibiotic helps the body heal by fighting the disease in the gum tissue and bone structure. As a result, inflammation decreases, and the pockets shrink in size as the body begins to heal. Scaling, root planing, and using Arestin can eliminate periodontal disease from many patients’ mouths.

Perio Protect Treatment

Perio Protect is a complete approach to gum disease therapy. The Perio Tray's innovative interior seals allow the medication to be placed directly between teeth and gum tissue. The unique Perio Protect Method uses the patented, non-invasive Perio Tray with a tailored sealing mechanism that has been shown to deliver medication deep into periodontal pockets where toothbrushes, rinse, and floss fails to reach. These personalized trays break the disease cycle by bringing therapy from the dental chair to the comfort of your home.