What Is Arestin?

When the body develops a bacterial infection, an antibiotic is used to treat it. The same applies to infections that start in the gums.  Southern Cross Dental can use arestin for patients with periodontitis who need a scaling and root planing procedure performed. Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial infection, caused by plaque, which has settled underneath the tooth’s surface below the gum line.

Arestin has the ability to reduce the severity of periodontal disease.  After a scaling and root planning procedure, the medicine is applied to gums in powder form.  In a clinical study, when used in addition to scaling and root planing, arestin reduced harmful bacteria by nearly 2 times as much as scaling and root planing alone. This is because adding arestin to the mix disrupts the progression of periodontitis by specifically targeting the active infection.

If you have questions or concerns about the status of your periodontal health, please give us a call. To learn about all the treatments provided at the practice, visit www.scdsmile.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Periodontitis Prevention

Gingivitis is reversible because it doesn’t attack the bone underneath the tooth. Periodontitis, however, is not. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose and eventually cause teeth to fall out if the condition is not properly treated. Fortunately, our doctors at Southern Cross Dental can treat periodontitis if it arises, but we hope you never let your oral health status get this far.

Like gingivitis, periodontitis begins with plaque. Therefore, the easiest way to prevent periodontal disease is to keep your teeth as clean as possible. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will become aggressive. Ongoing inflammation will result in pockets developing underneath the gums and will fill with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. You should schedule an appointment with us if you notice inflamed, swollen gums, or gums that are tender to touch.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.scdsmile.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Many of us have heard of gum disease, but do we really know how it develops? Gingivitis is considered the first stage of gum disease but if left untreated, it can advance into periodontitis. At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS want to be sure our patients know how gum disease develops so we can work together to avoid it.

When gums become red, puffy, irritated, and start bleeding, this is often considered gingivitis. As stated before, gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It is caused from plaque and tartar that remain on the teeth. Plaque and tartar are formed from bacteria and when they are not removed, they can irritate the gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance into a worse form of gum disease, called periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a serious condition that can destroy soft tissue and bone tissue. It can also spread infection which leads to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Characteristics of periodontitis include swollen gums, bright red or purple gums, tenderness, receded gums, loose teeth, lost teeth, a bad taste in your mouth, and bad breath. Pus may also form in the spaces between your teeth and gums. Periodontitis is much harder to get rid of. Recovery can include full-mouth scaling and planing procedures and gum grafts.

While gum disease can turn very serious, it is also completely preventable. Taking great oral care at home and seeing your dentist for routine cleanings and examinations will make sure you stay on top of your oral health. To schedule your next appointment with Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour, DDS of Colorado Springs, CO, call our office at (719) 471-1717. Appointments may also be made through our Southern Cross Dental website, www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com.