Periodontal Program Encinitas

Our Periodontal Program

How we treat gum disease depends on the severity of the condition, so we’ll be sure to tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs. That said, at our Encinitas dental office, we offer personalized periodontal care designed to both prevent and manage gum disease at its various stages, from laser scaling and root planing to Perio Protect custom trays.

OralDNA® Salivary Testing

OralDNA salivary testing allows us to identify the specific bacteria associated with your gum disease using a simple, non-invasive test of a saliva sample. This advanced diagnostic tool helps determine your individual risk level and supports more targeted, personalized treatment planning. By understanding the underlying causes of periodontal disease, our team can provide more effective care and protect your long-term dental health from what can be an incredibly severe condition.

Laser Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a specialized procedure designed to halt the progression of gum disease by meticulously cleaning between the gums and teeth down to the roots. This treatment involves:

• Scaling: The removal of tartar (hardened plaque) from above and below the gum line, addressing the root cause of gum inflammation and bleeding.
• Root Planing: Smoothing rough spots on tooth roots where bacteria gather, helping to prevent further plaque buildup and gum disease.

Performed with a state-of-the-art dental laser and under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort, this procedure is both gentle and effective, with minimal discomfort experienced by most patients.

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How Does Laser Scaling & Root Planing Work?

If left untreated, plaque on your teeth can harden into a substance called tartar that is very difficult to remove. Not only can tartar accumulate on your teeth, but it also forms underneath your gum line where your at-home solutions simply won’t work. We use safe, powerful lasers to break up and remove tartar so your gums can heal. Even better, lasers are much more gentle than hand tools, so your treatment is more effective with less pain and recovery time.

What to Expect from Laser Scaling & Root Planing

Deep cleaning is typically performed over multiple appointments, focusing on one quadrant of the mouth at a time to ensure thorough treatment. Each session lasts about an hour, contributing to a manageable and effective care plan.

Post-treatment, you may experience some soreness and sensitivity, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication. We recommend gentle brushing and flossing, alongside salt water or chlorhexidine rinses, as advised by our team, to support healing and comfort.

Perio Protect Custom Trays

Perio Protect custom trays are special, prescription-strength dental appliances designed for at-home periodontal disease treatment. Custom-made to fit a patient’s mouth, these trays use a special seal to deliver medication directly to the gum pockets to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. They’re worn for a few minutes per day and allow the medication to reach areas that regular brushing cannot.

Arestin® Antibiotic Treatment

Oftentimes, we will use an antibiotic called Arestin® to supplement our other gum disease treatments. The application of Arestin is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing the antibiotic microspheres directly into the gum pockets. This process is quick, involves little to no discomfort, and does not require anesthesia. Following the procedure, patients are advised to take specific precautions to ensure the treatment area’s healing and effectiveness, such as avoiding hard or sticky foods and delaying the use of dental floss or toothpicks in the treated areas.

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How Arestin Works

Arestin contains minocycline, a potent antibiotic, encapsulated within microspheres. This advanced microsphere technology ensures the slow release of the antibiotic directly into the infected gum pockets, targeting the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Arestin is typically applied after a thorough cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness and supporting the restoration of gum health.

Who is a Good Candidate for Arestin?

Arestin is an essential treatment option for patients with adult periodontitis. This condition is marked by gum inflammation and the development of deep pockets. It’s important to note that Arestin® is not suitable for everyone; it is contraindicated in patients allergic to minocycline or tetracycline, and its use is not recommended in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.

Your Role in Periodontal Health

While professional care is essential, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is equally important. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using recommended oral health products can significantly contribute to the success of your periodontal maintenance plan.