Comprehensive Periodontal Care in Mequon, Wisconsin
At Michael Kim DDS, Dr. Kim and Dr. Lentz provide comprehensive periodontal care to patients in Mequon, Wisconsin, and the surrounding areas. Our practice focuses on addressing a wide range of periodontal issues while prioritizing patient satisfaction. We believe in conservative treatment approaches and reserve surgical interventions for cases where they are absolutely necessary.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues. It typically begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth and along the gum line. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria thrive.
As the infection progresses, it can cause symptoms such as swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can result in irreversible damage to the gums and bone structure supporting the teeth, leading to tooth loss and other serious health complications. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene habits are essential for preventing and managing gum disease.
Periodontal Care Available in Mequon, Wisconsin
In our practice, we emphasize non-surgical therapy for treating early stages of periodontal disease. Even in more severe cases, we explore non-surgical options before considering surgery. Dr. Kim and Dr. Lentz’s approach is rooted in preserving overall tissue quality, prioritizing the long-term health of our patients’ mouths. Our periodontal care services include:
Arestin
Arestin is a type of antibiotic treatment used to combat periodontal disease. It consists of minocycline microspheres, which are inserted into the pockets between the teeth and gums during a periodontal treatment session. These microspheres release antibiotics over time, effectively targeting and eliminating bacteria responsible for gum disease, promoting healing, and reducing pocket depth.
Gum Contouring and Reshaping
Gum contouring and reshaping, also known as gingival sculpting or gingivectomy, is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the gums. It involves the removal of excess gum tissue or reshaping of the gums to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing gum line. This procedure can be performed using traditional surgical methods or with laser technology for precision and minimal discomfort.
Periodontal Cleaning
Periodontal cleaning, also referred to as deep cleaning or periodontal therapy, is a dental procedure designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. Unlike a regular dental cleaning, which focuses on the surfaces of the teeth above the gum line, periodontal cleaning targets the roots of the teeth and the pockets of the gums. This thorough cleaning helps to prevent and treat gum disease by eliminating bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and roots. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gum line. Root planing, on the other hand, smoothens the roots of the teeth to remove rough areas where bacteria can accumulate. This process helps the gums reattach to the teeth and prevents further progression of gum disease.
Our Dedication to Patient Comfort and Care
At Michael Kim DDS, our dentists and team are dedicated to ensuring that every periodontal care appointment is anxiety-free for our patients. Whether you’re in Mequon or the surrounding area, consider Drs. Kim and Lentz as your trusted dentists. We take pride in serving our local community and treating each of our periodontal patients like family.
If you suspect you may need periodontal care, we offer free consultations to all our patients. Contact our Mequon, Wisconsin dental office at 262-241-5558 or send us an email to schedule an appointment. We look forward to assisting you on your journey to optimal periodontal health.