Periodontal Therapy
As Dr. Augustyn often says, “There’s a very, very close relationship between what happens in your mouth and what happens in your body.” Our job is to treat both.
Your Mouth Is Part of Your Body
Gum disease (periodontal disease) doesn’t stop at your smile. Why? Because it has ripple effects throughout the body. Chronic inflammation in the gums can increase your risk for serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.
In fact, researchers have identified over 50 systemic conditions that are associated with gum disease, and that list continues to grow every year. None of this is new. Dental and medical professionals have understood this connection for decades. But despite the overwhelming evidence, our healthcare system usually treats the mouth as separate from the rest of the body. At Happy Tooth, we’re changing that.
What Is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy isn’t only a gum disease treatment. It’s a proactive step toward protecting the health of your whole body. These treatments are designed to stop the spread of infection, reduce oral and potential systemic inflammation, and support your body’s health from the inside out.
Therapy may include non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning), targeted antimicrobial treatment, or, in more advanced cases, surgical intervention. Each step is designed to restore your gum health and reduce your risk of systemic complications linked to oral infection and inflammation.
Before beginning treatment, we’ll complete a comprehensive evaluation, including any underlying conditions such as diabetes, immune disorders, or cardiovascular disease. These factors may impact how gum disease develops and how your body responds to periodontal care.
The Phases of Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy usually involves several steps. We tailor your treatment based on the stage and severity of the disease, as well as your overall health.
Phase 1
Consultation & Assessment
A thorough exam, including x-rays, to assess the condition of your gums, periodontal pockets, and bone structure.
Phase 2
Scaling & Root Planing
This non-surgical therapy, often referred to as a deep cleaning, is more than just that. It is a therapeutic procedure designed to treat active gum disease. It removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to help prevent future buildup. When necessary, local antimicrobials or systemic antibiotics may also be used to enhance healing.
Phase 3
Re-Evaluation
About 4 to 6 weeks later, we’ll assess how your condition has responded to treatment and determine whether further treatment is needed.
Phase 4
Gum Surgery (if needed)
In more advanced cases, gum surgery may be needed to remove diseased tissue and promote healing.
Phase 5
Maintenance
After periodontal therapy, lifetime maintenance is just as critical as the treatment itself. Without it, gum disease returns in full force, requiring treatment to begin again. Regular maintenance visits, usually every 3 to 4 months, can help keep gums healthy and protect your investment.
The Oral & Systemic Benefits of Periodontal Therapy
Yes, periodontal therapy can save your teeth. But it may also help you protect your heart, lungs, pancreas, and even your brain. This is because chronic gum inflammation can spread to other parts of the body, where it acts like a slow-burning fire. The same harmful bacteria and inflammatory markers found in periodontal disease are also found in:
- Atherosclerotic plaques linked to heart disease: Buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries that can lead to heart problems.
- Airway inflammation in respiratory illnesses like COPD: Swelling and irritation in the breathing tubes, common in lung diseases such as COPD.
- Insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes: When the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, making blood sugar harder to control.
- Markers for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions: Signs in the body that may indicate brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
By reducing inflammation and bacterial load in the mouth, we can also reduce stress on the immune system and support your systemic health.
Treating Different Stages of Gum Disease
Your course of periodontal therapy will depend on the stage of your gum disease. Regardless of the stage, it’s never too late to start, and it’s never just about your gums. Regular professional cleanings and careful home care are crucial to preventing gum disease and catching it early, before bacteria and inflammation have a chance to spread.
Early Stage (Gingivitis)
At this stage, inflammation is still reversible. Scaling and root planing are, along with improved home care can often reverse its effects This deep cleaning also helps the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.
Moderate Stage
Infection extends deeper, often requiring a combination of scaling, root planing, and targeted antimicrobials to halt its progression.
Advanced Stage
When bone loss or deep pockets are present, surgical intervention may be required to remove infected tissue, reshape the gums, and regenerate lost bone through grafting.
Can Periodontal Therapy Help Me?
If you have bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, shifting teeth, or a history of chronic illness, you may be experiencing more than a dental issue.
Even without pain, gum disease can silently damage not only your oral health but your entire system. If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition or are at risk for one, periodontal therapy may be one of the most important steps you take for your overall health.
Treatments like scaling, root planing, and gum surgery can often help save your teeth and preserve systemic health. We’ll evaluate your symptoms and gum disease stage to design a personalized plan to treat the root cause.
Periodontal Therapy is an Investment in Your Health
Treating gum disease is not just an investment in your smile, it’s a commitment to your longevity and vitality. Periodontal therapy may reduce your risk for heart attacks, strokes, respiratory issues, and other serious conditions.
We understand that cost matters. Our team will help make the most of your insurance coverage and provide flexible financing options, so you don’t have to risk putting off treatment.
Why Choose Happy Tooth?
At Happy Tooth, we look at the whole picture. Dr. Maggie Augustyn and her team are committed to bridging the gap between medicine and dentistry, starting with the care they provide to their patients.
When you walk through our doors, you’re not just a set of teeth. You’re a whole person, and we treat you that way. From diagnosis to maintenance, we offer advanced technology, evidence-based treatment, and a compassionate, personalized experience.
What Should I Do Next?
Your gums might be trying to tell you something about your overall health. Don’t ignore the signs. Contact us today to schedule your periodontal therapy consultation. We’ll provide a full evaluation and design a treatment plan to support your health.
