Gum
Disease
Antibiotic Therapy for Gum Disease
in Pembroke, ON
Fighting Oral Infections with Advanced Treatment Options at Parkview Dental
Gum disease affects millions of Canadians, often progressing silently until serious symptoms develop. At Parkview Dental, Dr. James Munro provides comprehensive periodontal care, including antibiotic therapy, to effectively combat gum disease and protect your oral health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, call our Pembroke dental practice at (613) 735-2336 to schedule your consultation at our Pembroke office.
Understanding Antibiotic Therapy for Gum Disease
Antibiotic therapy serves as a powerful tool in treating periodontal disease by targeting harmful bacteria that cause infection and inflammation. This treatment may come in different forms, from topical or oral antibiotics to at-home rinses, depending on the level of bacterial infection. When combined with traditional treatments like scaling and root planing, antibiotics can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent further damage to your gums and supporting bone structure.
At Parkview Dental, we utilize advanced diagnostic technology, including our iTero intraoral scanner, to accurately assess your gum condition and determine if antibiotic therapy would benefit your treatment plan.
Types of Antibiotic Treatment
Oral Antibiotics
Prescription antibiotic pills work throughout your body to fight bacterial infections. These medications may be prescribed when:
- Infection shows signs of spreading
- You have an underlying health condition
- Traditional cleaning hasn’t resolved the infection
- Multiple areas of your mouth require treatment
Topical Antibiotics
Applied directly to infected gum pockets, topical antibiotics provide targeted treatment with minimal side effects. This method proves especially effective for treating isolated areas of infection or as a follow-up to deep cleaning procedures.
Antibiotic Mouth Rinses
Professional-strength antimicrobial rinses kill bacteria to help control bacteria levels throughout your mouth. These rinses may be prescribed for use at home between office visits to maintain treatment progress.
The Treatment Process
Your antibiotic therapy begins with a thorough examination using our advanced imaging technology. Our Pembroke dentist will assess the extent of your gum disease and create a personalized treatment plan. This may include:
- Initial periodontal cleaning to remove visible bacteria and calculus
- Application or prescription of appropriate antibiotics
- Detailed instructions for medication use and oral care
- Follow-up appointments to monitor progress
- Maintenance plan to prevent reinfection
Benefits of Antibiotic Therapy
Modern antibiotic treatments offer numerous advantages for patients with gum disease:
- Eliminates harmful bacteria effectively
- Reduces inflammation and bleeding
- Prevents infection spread
- Enhances healing after cleaning procedures
- Improves long-term treatment outcomes
When Is Antibiotic Therapy Recommended?
Dr. Munro may recommend antibiotic therapy if you:
- Show signs of active gum infection
- Have deep periodontal pockets
- Haven’t responded to standard cleaning
- Are preparing for oral surgery
- Have a medical condition affecting your immune system
Cost and Coverage Information
At Parkview Dental, we believe effective gum disease treatment should be accessible to everyone. We work with various insurance providers and offer flexible financing options through CareCredit. Our Pembroke staff will help you understand your dental insurance coverage and discuss payment options before beginning treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does antibiotic treatment take?
Most antibiotic treatments last seven to 14 days, depending on the type and severity of the infection. You may notice improvement within a few days, but completing the full course is essential for optimal results.
Are there side effects from dental antibiotics?
While most patients tolerate dental antibiotics well, some may experience mild digestive issues or sensitivity. Your dentist will discuss potential side effects and help select the most appropriate medication for your situation.
Will I need additional treatments?
Antibiotics often work best when combined with other periodontal treatments. Your complete treatment plan may include professional cleaning, maintenance visits, and improved home care routines.
How can I prevent gum disease from returning?
Regular dental checkups, proper oral hygiene, and following your prescribed maintenance schedule help prevent gum disease recurrence. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions for long-term care.
Stop Gum Disease with Non-Invasive Antibiotics
Don’t let gum disease threaten your oral health. At Parkview Dental, we’ve been providing quality dental care to Renfrew County residents since 1976. Our experienced team welcomes patients from Pembroke, Petawawa, Cobden, Deep River, and Chalk River.
Call (613) 735-2336 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Munro and learn how antibiotic therapy can help protect your smile. You can also request an appointment online through our convenient contact form.