Gingival Therapy & Irrigation

From reversible gingivitis to chronic periodontitis, our Orange Park, FL, dentist is here to help treat all stages of gum disease. Whereas gingival therapy can be a treatment for all degrees of periodontal disease, gingival irrigation is largely intended for patients who require a deeper cleaning to restore gum health.

Here’s what you need to know about gingival therapy and the irrigation process.

What Is the Point of Gingival Therapy?

Your gums may be an afterthought but they’re just as important as any other component of your smile. In fact, they serve as the foundation for your teeth and if they’re not in good condition, it can spell bad luck for your overall oral health. Common complications from untreated periodontal disease include receding gum tissue and tooth loss.

Dr. Marino is trained to recognize signs of gingivitis and later stage periodontitis. If any concerning symptoms are found during an oral exam, he will recommend further treatment depending on how advanced your gum disease or infection is at the time.

Symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis can include:

• Puffy, red, or tender gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Pus forming between teeth and gums
• Difficulty chewing (painful)
• Change in your bite (way top and bottom teeth fit together)

How Gingival Irrigation Works

Because periodontal disease is a long-term condition that can’t be cured, it has to be managed and kept under control by Dr. Marino. One way to do that is with gingival irrigation, also known as “pocket irrigation”.

Gingival irrigation can be performed as part of your regular teeth cleaning or in combination with another form of treatment. Generally, it involves using a stream of water to gently blast away leftover plaque, pieces of food, or other debris located in between teeth. The water can also clean below the gum line and be directed into the deep pockets that have formed as a result of the infection.

If needed, we may add an antimicrobial substance to the water to help prevent certain strains of harmful oral bacteria.

Give Your Smile a Deep Clean

Our dentist serving Orange Park and Greater Jacksonville, FL, and our team of dental professionals can work to improve the health of your gums with gingival therapy and irrigation. Call Marino Family Dentistry today at (904) 269-2185 to request an appointment.