The maintenance of healthy gums is a key part of long term oral health and wellness. Our dentists in Marietta, GA emphasizes the importance of addressing gum disease early on and avoiding more complex concerns through routine dental care. Visiting with one of our dentists at least twice a year provides the opportunity for our team to get to know you as an individual and to spot the signs of gum disease before damage is done.
In addition to these routine screenings for gum disease, good oral hygiene at home can serve to maintain the health of gum tissues, especially if you are at risk for chronic gum disease. To help patients maintain the effects of in-office periodontal treatment and improve long term gum health, Lost Mountain Dental offers PerioProtect®.
A unique, customizable and FDA cleared treatment for gum disease, PerioProtect can help you keep gum tissues healthy between visits and support your overall oral health and physical well-being without invasive treatment.
How Does PerioProtect Work?
The PerioProtect Method® provides the ability for patients to manage gum disease on a daily basis and to preserve gum tissue for healthy, stable gums. Using custom trays that fit over the teeth like mouthguards, a daily dose of prescription-strength antibacterial medication is consistently delivered to gum tissues along the gum line, where infection can take hold and grow.
The medication prevents bacteria growth, the underlying cause of gum disease. From gingivitis to periodontitis, PerioProtect can help to effectively manage gum disease and prevent deterioration of gum tissue, often leading to deep pockets along the gum line.
Your custom PerioTrays® are worn daily for a specified amount of time, typically about 30 minutes. Drs. Mulkey or our team will monitor progress and the condition of your gums during routine visits and adjust your prescribed medication as needed.
Why Is Gum Health Important?
The health and stability of your gums play an important role in both oral health and overall physical wellness. The gums support and nourish tooth structure and also serve as a barrier between bacteria in the mouth and your bloodstream.
Infected and compromised gum tissue can impact the integrity of the teeth and bite as well as open the door to internal inflammation as a result of bacteria entering the bloodstream and activating the immune system.
Poor oral health and advanced gum disease have been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and systemic related diseases. For patients with existing disease or medical conditions, poor gum health can make it more difficult to manage symptoms and add another level of stress on the body’s ability to fight disease.
At Lost Mountain Dental, our Marietta dental care team takes a personalized approach to your oral health care. Your dentist will work with you on an individual basis to evaluate and address problems related to gum health. We take the time to get to know you and understand the unique risk factors impacting your smile.
Common risk factors affecting gum health can include:
- Trauma to the teeth and gums
- Poor diet and nutrition
- Diabetes and other systemic diseases or conditions
- Certain medications
- Lack of regular dental care
Before & After: See the Results
Before (left) and After (right)
Periodontal Disease FAQs
Why is periodontal disease treatment necessary?
Periodontal disease treatments are necessary because gum disease is a progressive condition that can cause gum tissue recession and loss, bone loss, and tooth loss. In addition to affecting your ability to chew and speak, unhealthy gums can be painful and have a negative impact on your smile’s appearance.
How can I prevent gum disease from returning?
The solution is easier than you think. The best way to prevent your gum disease from returning is to regularly brush your teeth and floss! Keeping up with your regular dental cleanings and exams is also important. Dental hygienists are specialists in removing harmful plaque from your teeth, and protecting you from gum disease.
Is periodontal treatment with PerioProtect painful?
No. periodontal treatments with the PerioProtect Method are not painful or cause irritation. This FDA approved system is safe on your gums and teeth. It gently removes bacteria from your gums using a safe and low-dose antibacterial medication. Most treatments for gum disease are non-invasive, meaning that you will not need gum surgery.
How long do you wear PerioTrays®?
On average patients wear PerioTrays® for about 10-15 minutes per session. Most patients do this 2-3 times per day in their beginning stages of our treatment.
How do you clean after PerioProtect®?
After PerioProtect treatment we advise patients to brush their teeth and rinse with water. This should remove any leftover medication from treatment. It is also important to rinse your trays with cold water after treatment.
Does Perio Protect whiten teeth?
The same active element in many cosmetic whitening treatments is found in the healing peroxide gel in your Perio Protect trays, which eliminates the germs that cause gum disease. After just a few weeks of using Perio Protect trays, you may notice a significant difference in the color of your teeth.
Is Perio Protect FDA approved?
The FDA has authorized and approved the Perio Protect therapy approach. People with or without gum disease can use it, and is the only method of periodontal therapy that has received FDA clearance.