Gum Treatment/Arestin

Types of gum disease:

• Gingivitis:
  Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It is usually cause by inadequate oral hygiene; causing gums to appear red, and swollen. Gums may bleed easily but there is little to no discomfort. Gingivitis is reversable with the right treatment and improved at home oral hygiene. Gingivitis can also be caused or contributed by the following: Diabetes, smoking, aging, genetic predisposition, systemic diseases and conditions, stress, inadequate nutrition, puberty, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, substance abuse, HIV infection, and certain medication use.
• Periodontitis:
  Periodontitis is gingivitis that goes untreated and advances to periodontitis. Plaque accumulates overtime and can spread below the gumline. The bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums causing them to become inflammed.The accumulated plaque causes the tissue and bone that suppport the teeth to be broken down and destroyed. The gums begin to seperate from the teeth forming pockets that become infected. Eventually teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Treatments:

• SRP:
  Scaling and Root Planing, also known as a deep cleaning; Is done to remove the bacteria and accumulated plaque (tartar) surrounding the teeth and gums.
• Arestin:
  When a deep cleaning alone is not enough to bring the gums back to health, Arestin is placed into the gum to help restore gum tissue. Arestin is an antibiotic administed into the gum area where the doctor sees the most inflammation and pockets accumulated.