Periodontics in Strongsville, OH

We diagnose gum treatment with a periodontal probe that measures the depth between your teeth and gums (sulcus). A sulcus with a depth below 3mm is considered healthy. However, if the depth is higher than 3mm, it is a sign of gum disease—and the higher the readings, the more severe the disease is.

Treating gum disease depends on the severity of your infection. The following are our gum disease treatment options.

• Deep teeth cleaning: This non-surgical, two-barreled treatment involves scaling and root planing (SRP) to eliminate gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the teeth’s surface and deep into the gum line (periodontal pockets). After root debridement, the dentist smooths out the root surfaces to remove rough spots that create perfect hiding spots for unwanted bacteria. Root planing also encourages the reattachment of gum tissues to your teeth. Periodontal cleaning is more thorough than scale and polish and requires anesthesia for optimal comfort. It also needs more than one dental visit, with the dentist treating each half of the quadrant per visit.
  
• Antibiotic therapy: We use oral and topical antibiotics to stop the progression of bacterial colonies and prevent reinfections.
  
• Gingival reshaping: Non-surgical gum treatments may lead to uneven healing, causing your gum line to appear asymmetrical when smiling. Gum contouring removes or reshapes your gum tissues to create an evenly balanced smile. Gingival reshaping also makes brushing and flossing your teeth easier.

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) requires advanced treatments like gum flap surgery and grafting techniques to replenish lost tissues. Our dentist will determine the best treatment for you after a careful evaluation. Where advanced treatments are needed, we’ll refer you to a trusted periodontist to ensure you achieve optimal gum health.