Periodontal Treatment

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Periodontal Treatment in Wakefield, RI

At South County Smiles, we understand that healthy gums are essential for healthy teeth. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive periodontal care to the Wakefield community.

Call us at 401-783-1530 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Why Periodontal Health Matters

Gum disease, caused by plaque buildup below the gum line, can lead to the deterioration of the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. To combat this, our periodontal services focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, along with enhancing the overall health and appearance of your gums.

Our Periodontal Services

Periodontal Maintenance Program

After treating gum disease, you will enter a personalized periodontal maintenance program. This includes regular check-ups and deep cleanings to ensure your gums stay healthy.

Scaling and Root Planing

Our non-surgical treatment for gum disease involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots to help your gums heal and reattach.

Periodontal Splinting

To support loose teeth caused by gum disease, we use stabilizing wire, composite resin, crowns, inlays, onlays, or veneers to stabilize them while treating the underlying condition.

Arestin

Arestin, an antibiotic placed directly into infected periodontal pockets during scaling and root planing, offers targeted treatment with slow-release microspheres.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening can improve your smile’s aesthetics or prepare a tooth for a crown by removing excess gum tissue and sometimes bone.

Gum Grafting

To treat receding gums, we perform gum grafting by stitching tissue from the roof of the mouth or near the affected area to the gums needing repair.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting rebuilds the jawbone to support dental implants or address bone loss due to missing teeth.

Pocket Reduction Treatment

For gum disease pockets unresponsive to less invasive treatments, we reduce their size surgically to lower infection risk and damage.

Bone Regeneration

This procedure regenerates jawbone and tissue damaged by gum disease, protecting existing teeth by using membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins.

Ridge Preservation

During or after tooth extraction, we place bone grafting material into the socket to encourage natural bone regeneration.

Periodontics FAQs

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on your teeth and gums. Other contributing factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain medications, genetic predisposition, diabetes, and hormonal changes.

Can gum disease be cured?

Gum disease can be reversed if diagnosed and treated early. Advanced gum disease can be managed, but any damage may need additional treatments.

How can I treat gum disease at home?

Gum disease requires professional treatment; it cannot be treated at home.

How can you tell if you have gum disease?

Common signs include red, swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, and loose or shifting teeth.

What is the best treatment for gum disease?

Scaling and root planing is the gold standard, but some patients may need pocket reduction surgery.

What causes gum disease?

How is gum disease diagnosed?

Gum disease is diagnosed through a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. This includes checking for bleeding, swelling, firmness, pocket depths around the teeth, and the presence of plaque and tartar. Dental X-rays may also be used to assess bone loss.