Periodontal Services in Ephrata, PA
What Is Periodontal Care & Why Is It Important?
Unlike a normal preventive cleaning, periodontal care is a treatment prescribed to combat periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease causes gum pockets to increase in depth, bone deterioration, and inflammation, creating a home for bacteria that can lead to tooth-loss. This bacterial presence can also potentially result in bacteria traveling through your bloodstream and infecting other areas of your body.
Keeping up with periodontal maintenance helps to remove aggressive bacteria associated with gum issues and at times will reduce gum pocket depts, allowing you to maintain a healthier environment with your daily care at home.
Periodontal Services and Procedures
Larrimore Family Dentistry takes an individualized approach to each and every patient’s periodontal care. Our highly trained hygienists use their full scope of practice to provide elite care. Our doctors make the necessary referrals to our periodontist colleges as needed for additional treatment options including surgical or laser intervention.
During a periodontal visit, the patient can expect:
- A medical history review
- Blood pressure check
- Thorough examination of teeth and gum tissues
- Non-surgical periodontal therapy with an ultrasonic instrument that removes plaque, tartar, stain, and bacteria in gum pockets
- Teeth polishing
- Irrigation with an antibacterial solution
- X-rays
- Fluoride treatment
- Home care instructions
Periodontal Disease FAQs
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
- Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose and/or sensitive teeth
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
What treatment options are available?
Treatment options for periodontal disease include:
- Non-surgical periodontal care
- Surgical therapy
- Laser therapy
- Antibiotic therapy
What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is reversible because it has not infected the bone support of the teeth, whereas periodontitis is non-reversible, only maintainable because it has infected the bone support of the teeth.
How can I care for and maintain periodontal disease at home?
You can maintain and improve your at-home oral health by following a healthy diet, brushing twice daily (ideally with an electric toothbrush), flossing or using interdental aids daily as well as antiseptic mouth rinses, and taking any prescribed antibiotics.
Location & Service Area
Our office is located on Dawn Avenue in Ephrata. Our office is on Dawn Avenue between the exit to Mister Hotshine Car Wash and Ephrata Beverage Center. We are across from the Ephrata Cloister Shopping Center, near Tin Roof and Domino’s (facing Route 272).
We serve patients in the Ephrata area including:
- Lancaster
- Lititz
- Akron
- Brownstown
- Stevens
- Rothsville
- Fivepointville
Parking
We have plenty of free, off-street parking spaces.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
When you schedule your next regular checkup and cleaning, we may include a digital x-ray to ensure we have the most current images. If you have any questions, call us at 717-733-7971.