Gum Disease Treatment – San Antonio, TX

Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are usually done as a combination treatment for infected gums. To minimize discomfort, we administer a local anesthetic to numb the treated areas. Scaling is the first step. We use manual dental tools and ultrasonic scalers to loosen and remove deposits of plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gum line. The loosened material is then flushed away with water.

Root planing smooths the roughened surface on the roots of the teeth. Smoothing the roots removes bacterial toxins and provides a clean, smooth surface to encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth. As the gums reattach, the periodontal pockets around the base of the teeth grow smaller, preventing future buildup of plaque and tartar.

Scaling and root planing are typically done in sections of the mouth to ensure thorough cleaning and allow for proper healing. It is an effective treatment for early to moderate stages of gum disease. It can help prevent the progression of periodontal disease, reducing the need for more invasive procedures such as gum surgery.

Laser Periodontal Treatment

Often used in addition to other forms of gum disease treatment, laser therapy allows for easier access to the inflamed gum tissue. By using our diode laser, we can remove infected tissues around the root as well as any plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Through this process, it is less likely that bacteria will accumulate in the future, allowing your gums to properly heal and reattach to your teeth.

Antibiotic Therapy

As part of our approach to using antibiotic therapy to treat gum disease, we will first take an OralDNA test to determine if there are any specific bacteria, as this will allow our team to formulate a more targeted method of treatment. With antibiotic therapy, we can apply it directly to the gum pockets, allowing the medicine to disperse over time and eliminate bacteria in hard-to-reach areas.

Surgical Periodontal Treatment

When the treatment options listed above are not enough to eliminate infection, we may turn to surgical treatment. Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Hachem, can administer an array of services that include pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, and more. She will meet with you to discuss your needs as well as any concerns to ensure that you remain comfortable and safe no matter which type of treatment is selected.