Protect your gums and preserve your healthy smile with periodontal treatment at the office of Ronald C. Fuhrmann, DDS! Our periodontal treatment is designed to help you maintain healthy gums and supporting bone. Because periodontal disease can cause more serious health concerns when left untreated, including the loss of teeth, our commitment is to help you maintain a strong foundation of your smile with healthy gums.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, begins as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. When left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gum line, damaging the bone and tissues that support your teeth. The common signs and symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
If you experience any of these symptoms, let us know. Our team will offer a professional evaluation to assess the health of your gums and determine the next steps for your oral health.
Our Periodontal Services
We offer a comprehensive range of periodontal services designed to detect, treat, and manage gum disease:
Periodontal Exams
We conduct detailed examinations to assess the health of your gums, measure pocket depths, and identify any signs of inflammation or infection. This allows us to accurately diagnose the stage of gum disease and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Scaling and Root Planing (Periodontal Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure and the cornerstone of treating early to moderate gum disease. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar deposits both above and below the gum line (scaling), and then smoothing the tooth roots (root planing) to eliminate rough spots where bacteria can accumulate. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth while reducing inflammation.
Localized Antibiotic Treatment
If you're being treated for periodontitis (gum disease) at our Virginia Beach office, Dr. Ronald C. Fuhrmann DDS may recommend a localized antibiotic treatment like Arestin (or an equivalent product). Arestin is a powder containing minocycline, an antibiotic, that is placed directly into the periodontal pockets – the spaces between your teeth and gums where infection occurs.
This type of treatment allows for a higher concentration of the antibiotic to target the bacteria causing the infection right at the source, effectively reducing the bacterial load. Arestin is often used in conjunction with scaling and root planing to help reduce pocket depth and promote healing of the gum tissue. This targeted approach is an important step in managing periodontitis and improving overall oral health.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
A crucial component of successful periodontal treatment is consistent and effective at-home oral hygiene. Our dentist will provide you with personalized instructions and recommendations for proper brushing, flossing, and other oral care techniques to help you maintain healthy gums between appointments.
For patients with a history of gum disease, regular periodontal maintenance appointments are essential to prevent recurrence and monitor gum health. These appointments typically involve specialized cleanings and thorough examinations.
Preserve Your Healthy Smile with Periodontal Treatment
For Dr. Fuhrmann and his team, our goal is to detect and treat gum disease as early as possible and prevent any further progression of your symptoms. If you have concerns about the symptoms of gum disease, including red, swollen, or bleeding gums, contact our Virginia Beach office for a periodontal evaluation. Our team is dedicated to helping you maintain your healthiest smile for life!
