If you have periodontal disease, then you should speak with your dentist right away to find out about the types of treatments that can help resolve the disorder. While surgical treatments are sometimes necessary, you can start with non-invasive procedures first to see if they can assist you. Keep reading to learn about how medicine is sometimes used during treatment.

Topical Antibiotics

Sometimes antibiotic treatments can be used topically to treat periodontal disease. The treatments are meant to fight and control infections directly at the source, so the periodontal ligaments can heal and tissues can reconnect to the teeth. 

There are a few different types of medications that can be used on the unhealthy gums. The vast majority of them are utilized inside the gum pockets themselves. This is where bacteria can access to ligaments and gum tissues. The medicine may be a gel inserted into the pockets, or small antibiotic chips are inserted. Chips are often made out of a gelatin, and this material dissipates over time. It releases the antibiotic medication as it does so. Microspheres can also be placed into the pockets, and these small particles are harder than gels or chips so that they can remain in place for a longer period of time. They may be ideal for deeper pockets or for periodontal disease that is more advanced. 

Oral Medicines

Sometimes topical agents are used in conjunction with oral medications or oral drugs are utilized alone if the topical medicines do not work well. Oral antibiotics are sometimes prescribed. Often, a strong dose of antibiotics is prescribed to control the serious infection. As it starts to resolve, a long-term, low-dose antibiotic may be provided. Prescription mouthwashes like chlorhexidine are sometimes prescribed for both long-term and short-term use. If short-term rinses are provided, speak with your dentist about nonprescription options that provide similar antibacterial support.

Enzyme control medicines are prescribed on occasion too to make sure that the harmful byproducts produced by the bacteria in your mouth are unable to harm the soft tissues of the mouth. When you take an oral medicine, you will need to clean the teeth, gums, and gum pockets carefully. Using water flossers and tartar-controlling toothpastes can greatly help your periodontal disease and enhance the effects of the medicines you are provided.

If you want to know more about both conservative and aggressive periodontal treatment methods, speak with a dentist like Kyle J Frisinger DMD.