First Light Dental of Coastal Virginia can offer patients a compassionate approach to dental problems related to gum health. From gingivitis to periodontitis, he can evaluate and address your needs with periodontal treatments and procedures.
Dr. William Harper treats each patient as an individual and takes the time to understand your concerns and the condition of your gums fully. He offers the range of treatment options necessary to repair and restore the gums in support of long-term dental health or to prepare a healthy oral foundation for the replacement of missing teeth.
Why Treat Gum Disease?
Dr. Harper will treat your oral health in a holistic and comprehensive manner, emphasizing the importance of healthy gums as a foundation for strong, healthy teeth. He has incorporated a wide range of dental technologies, including laser dentistry, into his Poquoson dentist office to enable him and his staff to spot developing problems with periodontal health in the early stages and offer accurate, effective treatment.
Treating gum disease in the early stage, known as gingivitis, can reduce the risk of permanent damage to the gums and the tooth structure: gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adult patients.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease
- Red or swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifted teeth
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Changes in the fit of dentures
- Sores in the mouth
Treatment Options
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. When caught early, gingivitis is highly treatable and even reversible. Our office will perform an extensive cleaning and recommend brushing and flossing twice daily. Antibacterial mouth rinses and other aids may be prescribed to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. We will also schedule follow-up cleanings more than the usual twice a year until the gingivitis is gone.
If your condition is more advanced, Dr. Harper may perform more intensive cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing. Other treatments may include laser dentistry.
Prophy-Jet
We can deliver a more comfortable treatment for gingivitis and gum disease using Prophy-Jet technology. The Prophy-Jet sprays a high pressured solution of water and baking soda to the surface of teeth to blast away deposits such as plaque. This eliminates the need for scraping or drilling, resulting in a more pleasant experience and quicker recovery.
Diode Dental Laser
The diode laser is especially useful in periodontal procedures, including gum disease treatment. A high-energy beam is used to “cut” away diseased tissue, instantly killing bacteria and reducing the amount of bleeding and swelling. Patients who undergo laser dentistry are more comfortable and have quicker healing.
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