Managing Gum Disease with Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Dr. Stephen J. Malki offers non-surgical periodontal therapy at his River Edge, NJ, office. These treatments address gum disease and include scaling and root planing, antibacterial irrigation, and medication. Dr. Malki takes a conservative approach to gum disease, and will do everything he can to restore your periodontal health while avoiding costly and traumatic surgical procedures. Early treatment with non-surgical therapy can help you avoid some of the more serious complications that arise when gum disease is left unchecked.
Be Proactive about Your Gum Health
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Dr. Stephen J. Malki is extremely proactive when it comes to managing gum disease and is able to treat most cases in-house. Receiving gum treatment with Dr. Malki often means more affordable, less invasive care for the patient.
A Brief Overview of Gum Disease
In its earliest stages, gum disease—or gingivitis—begins with inflammation caused by plaque. If gingivitis is not treated immediately, it can devolve into what is known as periodontitis. As the disease progresses, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and the infection can spread to the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. Without treatment, tooth loss can occur. Symptoms of gum disease include bright red gums, bleeding when brushing and flossing, inflammation, and tenderness.
Preventive measures are simpler, less expensive, and less time consuming than more invasive treatments. Unless your gum disease is already advanced, Dr. Malki will always recommend non-surgical treatment options first.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Scaling and Root Planing
Also known as a “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing eliminates large deposits of plaque and tartar from the gums and tooth roots. The scaling instrument removes these deposits while the planing tool polishes the tooth roots, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate in those areas. After a deep cleaning, we will provide you with detailed instructions for at-home care. In addition to brushing and flossing, we may recommend more frequent dental exams and cleanings. This can help you keep the gum disease in check and allow Dr. Malki to monitor your gums for any serious changes.
Antibacterial Irrigation and Medication
In the event that your gums do not heal after scaling and root planing, we may suggest other methods to eradicate the infection. Antibacterial irrigation essentially flushes the gums with an antibacterial solution aimed at getting rid of the infection. This treatment may be combined with topical or oral antibiotic medications as well.
Why Non-Surgical Treatments are Preferred
Surgical periodontal treatments increase your risk for additional infections and other complications. They also involve more extensive recovery. Non-surgical treatments can prevent gum disease from worsening and leading to more serious health complications. Without treatment, not only could you lose one or more teeth, but you could also develop serious conditions like heart disease or diabetes. If you already have these conditions, gum disease could make managing them more difficult.
Preventive measures are simpler, less expensive, and less time consuming than more invasive treatments. Unless your gum disease is already advanced, Dr. Malki will always recommend non-surgical treatment options first. This lowers your risk for further complications and shortens your recovery time.
Seek Treatment for Gum Disease Right Away
If you have noticed any changes to your gums, such as bleeding gums or swelling, you may have gingivitis. The sooner you seek treatment, the more conservative we can be with your treatment. Call Malki Dental at (201) 646-0800 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment.
