Periodontics

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the gums and jawbone. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious medical complications.

In the early stages of gum disease, treatment is nonsurgical and noninvasive. As the condition progresses, laser treatment or traditional surgery may be required to reverse the problem.

Dr. Shifrin and her team offer technologically advanced gum disease treatments to keep our patients’ smiles healthy. We strive to make periodontal care painless with a soft tissue laser and other innovative tools.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a type of deep cleaning that will eradicate harmful bacteria from the gums. During a regular cleaning, we clean only the visible portion of the teeth. In a scaling and root planing procedure, our team:

  1. Removes plaque and tartar from under the gumline
  2. Smooths out the root surfaces to promote healing

For many patients, we perform scaling and root planing with local anesthesia to ensure total comfort. This simple treatment is often enough to mitigate early gum disease and prevent future tooth loss.

Periodontal Therapy with the Soft Tissue Laser

Lasers are focused beams of light that can treat periodontal pockets with the utmost precision. Our soft tissue laser reduces bacterial levels and lowers inflammation. Using the soft tissue laser during scaling and root planing, we can remove damaged soft tissue and promote new tissue growth.

Soft tissue laser periodontal therapy:

  • Removes infected tissue
  • Eliminates harmful bacteria that cause periodontal disease
  • Encourages reattachment of gum fibers to the root surface
  • Reduces pocket depth
  • Protects patients from pain, gum recession, tooth loss, and bone deterioration

Do You Need Periodontal Treatment?

If you are suffering from swollen, bleeding, or receding gums, give us a call. With our effective periodontal techniques, we can treat you sooner rather than later. To schedule an exam, contact Duluth Dental Center today.