Periodontal Therapy: Key Services for Optimal Oral Health

At OHIOSmiles, we believe gum health is essential for optimal oral health. Our team, led by Dr. Antalis, offers comprehensive periodontal therapy designed to treat gum disease and prevent further complications like tooth loss and bone loss.

Periodontal disease can affect the tissues surrounding your teeth, but with the proper treatment, we can help restore the health of your gums and improve your overall health. Regular visits to OHIOSmiles are vital to preventing and treating periodontal disease. We aim to help you achieve healthy gums and provide effective periodontal treatment tailored to your needs.

What Is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy focuses on treating gum disease, a common inflammatory condition known as periodontal disease. Gum disease can affect the tissues supporting your teeth and lead to severe complications if left untreated, including tooth loss. Through various treatment options, periodontal therapy aims to eliminate harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of affected gum tissue.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance is essential to ensure the ongoing health of your gums and teeth. This includes regular cleanings and exams to monitor the progress of your gum health. 

These visits are typically scheduled every three to four months, depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment you’ve received. You can avoid more severe issues like bone loss and tooth loss by maintaining regular visits.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting treats receding gums caused by periodontal disease or aging. This procedure involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of your mouth and grafting it onto the area of recession. By restoring the gum line, gum grafting helps reduce tooth sensitivity, protect the underlying bone, and improve the overall appearance of your smile.

CHAO Pinhole® Technique

The CHAO Pinhole® Technique is a minimally invasive treatment for receding gums. This advanced procedure involves making a small hole in the gum tissue and gently repositioning it over the exposed tooth roots. It promotes healing and restores a healthy gum line without sutures or scalpels.

Dr. Antalis offers the CHAO Pinhole® Technique as an alternative to traditional gum grafting for patients seeking a less invasive option. This innovative procedure has a shorter recovery time, and many patients experience immediate aesthetic improvement and long-lasting results.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a simple procedure used to remove or adjust the frenulum, a small piece of tissue that connects the lip or tongue to the gum. This procedure can be particularly beneficial for patients with a high frenum attachment that may contribute to gum recession or interfere with proper oral hygiene.

Dr. Antalis performs frenectomy procedures to help patients achieve better gum health and improve their ability to maintain good oral hygiene. By addressing the frenulum’s position, we can prevent future oral health complications and improve the aesthetic appearance of the gums.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning) is a non-surgical procedure for treating periodontal disease. During this treatment, Dr. Antalis removes plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gum line and smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from accumulating. This helps reduce periodontal pockets and promotes gum healing.

Scaling and root planing are typically the first steps in periodontal treatment and are effective in treating mild to moderate gum disease. Additional periodontal therapy may be necessary for patients with more advanced stages of gum disease.

Perio Protect Trays

Perio Protect Trays are custom-made dental devices designed to deliver medication deep into periodontal pockets, effectively targeting bacteria that traditional brushing and flossing cannot reach. Utilizing a patented sealing system, these trays hold a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide at the site of infection beneath the gums, which helps to gently cleanse periodontal pockets, combat bacteria, whiten teeth, and freshen breath. This non-invasive therapy complements in-office treatments and supports long-term oral health by managing gum disease with daily use.

Saliva Testing

MyPerioPath® is a widely utilized salivary DNA test that detects specific oral pathogens responsible for gum disease, which can also impact systemic health. By identifying bacteria associated with increased risks for conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and birth complications, the test enables healthcare providers to personalize periodontal treatments effectively. Following therapy, retesting with MyPerioPath® allows for monitoring bacterial changes and assessing treatment success.

Take Control of Your Periodontal Health

OHIOSmiles is committed to providing high-quality dental care and periodontal therapy tailored to your needs. Dr. Antalis and our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to help you maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile.

If you’re concerned about your dental health or have already been diagnosed with periodontal disease, contact OHIOSmiles at (740) 439-2501 to schedule a consultation. Our dental practice is here to help you achieve optimal oral health through effective, compassionate care.