Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a serious oral infection that's assumed to affect over 80% of the population. While early symptoms are typically mild and unassuming in nature, untreated cases can lead to permanent consequences like tooth loss. That's why Dr. Frank Michitti and the rest of our team take this threat extremely seriously. Lifetime Dental of Agawam has a multi-tiered approach when it comes to battling gum disease, providing quality prevention, early detection, and effective treatment options. Contact our Agawam & Feeding Mills, MA dental office today if you have any questions or concerns, or if you’re ready to schedule your first visit for periodontal therapy in Agawam, MA.
Periodontal screenings are an important portion of every routine checkup, allowing our staff members to thoroughly review your oral tissue for tell-tale indications of infection. If we determine that treatment is necessary, our recommendation will depend on the severity of your current condition.
Scaling & Root PlaningScaling and root planing is an in-depth cleaning that targets areas typically out of a sight in a person’s smile. During the procedure, our team will thoroughly remove bacteria from under the gum line (the scaling portion) and then smoothen the rough surfaces of the tough roots (the planing portion), which are common magnets for plaque accumulation.
Antibiotic TherapyAntibiotic therapy is often used in conjunction with the above gum disease therapy options in order to maximize positive effects and help eliminate pockets of dangerous bacteria even more comprehensively. ARESTIN® is applied directly to the gum line in our dental office, while Periostat® is a prescribed oral medication that helps prevent the body’s overproduction of destructive enzymes, which can inadvertently worsen gum disease.
DNA TherapyWhen traditional approaches to gum disease are not producing the results desired a DNA test can be performed to determine what specific bacteria must be addressed. Also, DNA tests can be performed to learn if you were born with gene markers that put you at a higher risk for gum disease. Additionally, a test can be performed to determine if you have HPV high-risk types associated with oral cancer. These tests are easily performed using your saliva.
Soft Tissue Laser TreatmentWe can now use a small instrument that emits a concentrated beam of light to address more advanced cases of gum disease quickly and comfortably. Laser treatment is extremely precise and able to remove bacteria and buildup deep below the gum line while leaving any nearby healthy tissue untouched. It emits almost no heat, sound, or vibration, so the patient basically feels nothing while in the chair. Thanks to the laser’s accuracy, post-treatment soreness and bleeding are reduced to practically zero, and the tissue is cauterized to ensure fast and complete healing while greatly diminishing the chances of future infection.
Perio Protect TherapyAs beneficial as traditional scaling and root planing can be for clearing out plaque and bacteria, these surgical procedures are far from conservative. However, Perio Protect treatment utilizes comfortable custom trays to deliver powerful medication that kills harmful bacteria and accesses the deep periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive. This treatment is performed by the patient at home typically just for a few minutes every day to ensure even coverage and thorough cleaning.