Periodontitis (Gum Disease) Diagnosis & Treatment 

The Diagnosis of Periodontitis (Gum Disease) in Little Rock

The doctor will examine your mouth to look for plaque and tartar buildup. He will also check for easy bleeding within the gums. When it has been determined that you have periodontitis, the next step is for Dr. Harris or Dr. Renolds to determine the severity. They will want to review your medical history and lifestyle and identify any factors that may be contributing to your gum disease. 

Factors That Can Contribute & Cause Periodontal Disease:

• Genetics
• Certain medications
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Gingivitis
• Hormonal changes ( often related to pregnancy or menopause)
• Obesity
• Inadequate nutrition, such as vitamin C deficiency
• Conditions that cause decreased immunity (such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS, and cancer treatment)
• Certain diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease

During the examination, the doctor will take x-rays, and based on your gum’s pocket depth or any bone loss, he will decide on the severity of your periodontitis. He may decide upon the stage and a grade based on the severity, the complexity of treatment needed, your risk factors, and your health.

Treatment

The initial goal of treatment for your periodontitis is to ensure that the pockets around the teeth are properly cleaned. This will help prevent damage to the bone in the jaw. Dr. Harris or Dr. Reynolds will want to discuss your oral hygiene habits with you and explain the importance of good oral hygiene in order to prevent bone or tooth loss. They will also want to discuss any of the potential contributing factors and how to address them, such as smoking or medication causing dry mouth. 

If your periodontitis has not advanced, there are some pretty simple options for treatment. The first and most popular is that of prescribing ARESTIN in combination with scaling and root planing. 

ARESTIN is an antibiotic that is placed directly into the infected pockets of the gum by our dentists. Scaling is done to remove tartar and bacteria from the tooth and gum surfaces in the mouth. Root planing is done to smooth out the root surface and discourage further tartar and bacteria buildup. 

If your periodontitis is advanced, the doctor will need to discuss the surgical options with you and the treatment plan after. 

Lifestyle & Home Remedies

Try these at-home tips to aid your periodontitis and prevent it from worsening: 

• Brush your teeth two times per day or, even better, after each meal. 
• Floss daily
• Use a soft toothbrush that will not cause your gums to bleed too much
• Use mouth wash daily
• Get regular teeth cleanings and exams
• Stop smoking or chewing tobacco 

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Appointment For Periodontitis Treatment in Little Rock

Your comfort and health are our top priorities. Call us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our dental experts. We look forward to hearing from you!