Periodontal Therapy

Most Americans experience some form of periodontal disease, often without realizing it. Periodontal disease is primarily responsible for adult tooth loss, bleeding gums, bad breath and receding gums. The truth is, it is easily prevented with proper hygiene, home care and professional treatment. If diagnosed in its early stages, gum disease treatments are easier, less invasive and more effective. Your visit with Dr. Britt includes a complete evaluation of your gums and supportive tissues. At Golden Isles Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, you will have access to advanced periodontal therapy to heal and restore your oral health.

Periodontal Supportive Therapy

If you have been diagnosed with and treated for periodontal (gum) disease, regularly scheduled supportive therapy is vitally important to your success in management of disease progression. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, “following a course of active periodontal treatment and periodic ongoing care at regularly prescribed intervals is essential. Because periodontal disease or infection can recur, continuous maintenance is absolutely necessary to prevent this periodontal infection from becoming active once again and destroying what healing has occurred. The following treatment is included in your periodontal maintenance appointment:

• Evaluation of oral health to detect subtle signs of disease recurrence
• Appropriate debridement of teeth and gums (professional cleaning and polishing)
• Antimicrobial therapy to destroy difficult to reach bacteria as deemed necessary by the doctor
• Evaluation of homecare regimes and aids
• Oral health evaluation including oral cancer screening, necessary dental films, and decay detection
• Recommendations based on individual needs as a result of medical and dental histories review

Scientific studies support the belief of experts that the most important aspect of periodontal treatment is the long-term maintenance therapy. Individuals vary in their response to periodontal disease and resistance to the disease varies at different times of life. When periodontal disease recurs following treatment, it may do so without signs or symptoms to the patient. Dr. Britt and her team of periodontal therapist are well trained in recognizing the very subtle signs that may signal detrimental changes. Ask Dr. Britt and your hygienist what interval of care would be in your best interest for lifelong oral health.

Antibiotic Therapy

In some cases of periodontal (gum) disease, the use of antibiotic therapy may be necessary as an adjunct to non-surgical therapy. Various antibiotics can be prescribed to be placed in the areas surrounding the teeth where infection remains following treatment or where the immune system did not respond with the desired result. These therapies promote further healing and aid in controlling an incurable disease better.

This is an exciting new treatment that may be able to help achieve greater healing and better maintenance over time. Ask Dr. Britt and her team of licensed hygienists to explain whether you might be a candidate for this additional treatment.

Preventive Fluoride Therapy

Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in many things we eat or drink. It is nature’s way of helping prevent cavities. Professional strength (in-office fluorides and low strength (home fluorides) each play important roles in helping to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Professional fluorides make teeth stronger and even heal weakened areas while home fluorides assist in this process. In the lifelong fight against cavities, both adults and children benefit from in-office treatment and home fluorides.

Oral Cancer Screening

As a comprehensive dentist, Dr. Britt offers routine oral cancer screenings to you as a patient. As a dentist, she in the only medical profession to evaluate routinely and detect these abnormalities early. Golden Isles Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry offers the Velscope Oral Cancer Screening Exam. This exam is quick, painless and, in addition to conventional oral cancer screenings, can lead to the early detection of oral abnormalities. Dr. Britt is dedicated to providing this potentially life-saving procedure for you.

For more information about preventative dentistry in Brunswick Georgia contact us today at 912.264.5550.