Periodontal therapy has come a long way in Kennesaw, GA

Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, and it can have grave consequences for overall health. Perhaps you thought treatment required uncomfortable, invasive periodontal surgery. At Dentistry and Orthodontics at Kennesaw Point in Kennesaw, GA, Dr. Kay Kalantari offers gentle, nonsurgical periodontal therapy as well as a traditional treatment for gum disease.

Gum disease is serious

Teeth are anchored by roots that extend into jawbone, connective tissues, and gums. When harmful bacteria overpopulate in the mouth, they attack these structures. Initially, gums become inflamed and lose their tight seal to teeth, allowing infection to penetrate deeper. As bone dissolves and support is lost, teeth become loose. If they don’t fall out, they must be extracted.

Meanwhile, bacteria enter the bloodstream, triggering internal inflammation. Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and premature, low birth weight babies.

Nonsurgical periodontal therapy in Kennesaw, GA

Scaling and root planing is the conventional approach to treatment of periodontal disease. Bacteria, plaque, and tartar are removed from tooth surfaces with manual instruments, and roots are smoothed to foster a tighter seal. In some cases, scaling and root planing is combined with gingival flap surgery, lifting gum tissue to expose roots for deeper cleaning, removing diseased tissue, and suturing gums back in place.

Whenever possible, Dr. Kalantari treats chronic periodontal disease without surgery, using state of the art technologies, products, and techniques including:

  • Dental endoscope – “Magnified subgingival visualization” is a big phrase that means Dr. Kalantari gets a clear view of the work area with LED illumination. The dental endoscope goes below the gum line, displaying high resolution images on a monitor, for precise, efficient treatment.
  • Ultrasonic scaling – Vibration, faster than the speed of sound, essentially blasts debris from tooth surfaces, while tiny bubbles rupture the cell walls of bacteria. The device also directs a stream of antibacterial rinse, flushing the treatment area.
  • Topical antibiotic – Placed below the gum line, this gel effectively fights the source of infection, reducing need for oral antibiotics that may have systemic side effects.