Periodontal Treatment Atlanta
Reliable Treatment for the #1 Cause of Tooth Loss
One of the specialty services that periodontists provide is treatment for gum disease, which can also be referred to as gingivitis or periodontitis. Dr. Scher and Dr. Litterer have completed years of focused training to become experts in the treatment and maintenance of gum disease, making them the go-to experts in Decatur, Atlanta, Duluth, and Dunwoody. If you’re suffering from gum disease and want the expert, smile-preserving care you deserve, call our office today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Georgia Periodontics for Periodontal Treatment?
- Two Periodontists with 25+ Years of Experience
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
- Four Convenient Office Locations
What is a Periodontist?
Periodontists are dental specialists who complete an additional three to four years of training after dental school, making them experts in the diagnosis and treatment, as well as the prevention, of gum disease. They are one of the nine specialties in dentistry officially recognized by the American Dental Association. Their additional, unique experience makes them experts in several surgical procedures related to the gums, including dental implant placement, bone grafting, sinus lifts, and gum grafting.
Opting to see a specialist for gum disease treatment will provide you with many benefits. Their vast and specific knowledge can help better educate you about your condition, and due to their focused specialty, they will offer treatments and use different technology that general dentists won’t.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is often our first line of defense after we notice signs of gum disease. This two-step process, better known as a deep cleaning, involves clearing away all of the plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. This will minimize the prevalence of harmful oral bacteria. Then, we will remove any hardened deposits of bacteria on the roots of the teeth, which will help the gum tissue heal, reattach, and prevent tooth loss.
Antibiotic Treatment
In addition to a deep cleaning, we may also recommend antibiotic treatment. This simply involves taking daily antibiotics for the amount of time we instruct to aid your body in fighting off the infection caused by harmful oral bacteria. In order to avoid developing antibiotic resistance, it’s important that you finish the full prescription as directed by our team and your pharmacist.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
Our Waterlase dental laser is an excellent aid during deep cleanings that makes the process even more thorough. It emits a small, yet concentrated, beam of light from the tip of it that can gently and easily remove damaged gum tissue, which leaves only healthy tissue behind to reattach to the teeth and protect the vulnerable roots. The best parts of using this technology are that it’s minimally invasive, more comfortable than hand tools, and drastically reduces the chances of post-operative discomfort.
Gum Biopsies
Many general dentists refer to our gum experts for biopsies. This is typically needed when a patient has a sore, ulcer, or lesion that isn’t healing or hasn’t gone away after about two weeks. Other symptoms that could accompany the need for a gum biopsy include swollen gums, white or red patches on the gums, or other abnormalities that appear within the mouth. After the procedure is complete, our team will send the biopsy to be tested and let you know what your next steps are to ensure your health and well-being.