Fresno Periodontal Treatment with the Help of Dr. Siemens 

Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease) is a common inflammatory condition which affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth; also the jawbone itself when in its most advanced stages.

Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue.  A bacterial infection affects the gums when the toxins contained in plaque begin to irritate and inflame the gum tissues.  Once this bacterial infection colonizes in the gum pockets between the teeth, it becomes much more difficult to remove and treat.  Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that eventually leads to the destruction of the connective tissue and jawbone.  If left untreated, it can lead to shifting teeth, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world and should always be promptly treated.

At our family dental practice, our Fresno family dentist provides a range of treatments that protects your gums from periodontal disease. Kathryn A. Siemens, D.D.S., Inc. offers periodontal therapy in Northeast Fresno, Northwest Fresno, Old Fig Garden, and Clovis. To keep your gums healthy, schedule an appointment with Dr. Siemens today.

CALL US: (559) 229-3556 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Diagnosis, Scaling and Planing

Gum disease starts as gingivitis, and then becomes periodontitis as it advances. Because the effects of periodontitis are irreversible without surgical means, the early and accurate diagnosis of gum disease is important. Dr. Siemens can diagnose gum disease during your regular checkups and provide treatment.

Gingivitis can be reversed through dental cleanings, which our hygiene department will tailor to your specific periodontal needs, but periodontal therapy is required to stop the advance of periodontitis. Traditional periodontal therapy, also known as scaling and planing, involves the manual removal of tartar buildup below the gum line by a dentist. This calculus is scaled off of the surface of the tooth, eliminating the source of gum disease. Then, the surface of the tooth is planed for a smoother texture in order to help close the periodontal pocket. After undergoing scaling and planing at our Fresno family dental practice, your gums can become healthy once again.

Gum Disease Treatment in Fresno with Arestin®

Sometimes, gum disease is too persistent to treat only with traditional periodontal therapy. The bacteria that becomes plaque and tartar can be encouraged to grow rapidly by additional oral health conditions, such as dry mouth. Without an additional method to kill off oral bacteria, the effects of scaling and planing may be minimized.

When appropriate, Dr. Siemens can prescribe Arestin, an oral antibiotic. This medicine is applied within the periodontal pocket and works to kill oral bacteria in the area. Arestin staves off the accelerated growth of bacteria, helping the gums heal more effectively after treatment.

Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry

Dental lasers are one of the newest technologies in dentistry, and their ability to kill germs and encourage tissue regeneration is valuable to keeping the natural smile healthy for as long as possible.

In order to ensure effective results from scaling and planing, Dr. Siemens uses a soft-tissue dental laser as part of conducting periodontal therapy. This laser disinfects the tissue, eliminating whatever bacteria scaling misses. It also encourages the gums to heal back onto the tooth and close the periodontal pocket.

Contact Us for Gum Disease Treatment in Fresno

Kathryn A. Siemens, D.D.S., Inc. provides periodontal therapy near Fresno. For more information, call or email us today!

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