Cleanings & Gum Disease Treatment
Our friendly, personable hygienists will take good care of your teeth and gums.
High-tech hygiene for a clean, healthy smile!
Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Moreover, gum disease can negatively affect not just the health of your teeth, but of your body too.
Dr. Charles Flowers considers the preservation of your teeth and gums to be his first priority. He uses advances in modern dentistry to treat gum disease effectively. He combines gentle ultrasonic gum therapy, a deep cleaning and antibiotic therapy to fight gum disease.
He also offers expert gum disease prevention counseling. Helping you brush and floss properly and prevent gum disease is something he’ll work with you on continually. Over the last three decades, Dr. Flowers’ gum care has saved many of his patients from the need to undergo gum surgery.
Thorough, gentle Ultrasonic Cleanings
The ultrasonic scaler is used to gently clean your teeth.
Thorough, regular cleanings are the first line of defense in preventing gum disease. They are also the foundation for good oral health. You can rely on our experienced, friendly hygienist to be very gentle during your cleaning; and she’ll make sure that you’re comfortable, too.
Our hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler for teeth with heavy stains, excessive calcium deposits, inflamed gums and for orthodontic patients. Ultrasonic scalers vibrate at a frequency that breaks down bacteria and removes tarter, calculus and plaque without harming your teeth like traditional scrapers can. Ultrasonic scaling is more comfortable and efficient then hand scaling.
With this modern technology, our hygienist can quickly and effectively clean your teeth using gentle sound waves. And after your cleaning she’ll polish them so they are bright and shiny!
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the Inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place. It’s caused by toxins from bacteria in plaque that accumulate along the gum line. This plaque is a combination of saliva, bacteria and food.
Dr. Flowers designs a soft-tissue management program for our patients with gum disease. Scaling and root planing are the initial treatments for mild to moderate gum disease. Scaling is the removal of tartar from your teeth, performed by our hygienist using either a hand or ultrasonic scaler.
Next, our hygienist will carefully remove bacteria, tartar and infected tissue from the root surfaces of your teeth. This is called root planning. Smooth root surfaces let your gums regenerate without irritation. The gum tissue shrinks and tightens around the teeth, since the irritant has either been reduced or eliminated.
ARESTIN® Antibiotic Therapy
Bacteria cause gum disease. A recent advancement in periodontal treatment is the use of ARESTIN® Antibiotic Therapy. ARESTIN is a tetracycline based antibiotic that helps kill the bacteria at the root of the problem.
Dr. Flowers places ARESTIN in infected gum pockets below your gum line. ARESTIN contains microspheres—tiny bead-like particles—that are not visible to the eye. These microspheres release the antibiotic over time, killing bacteria so your gums can heal.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease
Inflamed gums or gums pulling away from the tooth are signs of gum disease.
Gum disease can be easily treated if it is diagnosed in its early stages. That’s why it is important to notify Dr. Flowers if you have any of the following warning signs of gum disease:
- Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
- Gums are very red, purplish, tender and / or swollen
- You can see pus in between your teeth and gums when they are pressed
- Gums feel tender or hurt when touched
- Gums pull away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer than normal
- New spaces developing between your teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting down
- Loose or separating permanent teeth
To greatly reduce your risk of getting gum disease, be sure to follow our hygienists’ instructions for good oral care. Regular flossing and brushing, combined with a healthy lifestyle plus routine checkups and cleanings, are the best ways to avoid gum disease. A deep cleaning may also be recommended by Dr. Flowers, depending on your situation.
To make an appointment, call 803.787.6646 or click here to request an appointment online.