Services

Periodontal Therapy in Wilton, CT

Your gums are the foundation of your oral health, yet periodontal disease affects nearly half of all adults over 30. At The Center for Complete Health Dentistry at Wilton, Dr. Walter Kostrzewski provides comprehensive periodontal therapy to restore gum health and protect your smile for years to come. Whether you’re dealing with early-stage gingivitis or advanced gum disease, our experienced team offers effective treatments tailored to your specific needs.

What Is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy encompasses a range of treatments designed to prevent, halt, and reverse gum disease. The term “periodontal” refers to the structures surrounding and supporting your teeth, including your gums, bone, and connective tissues. When these tissues become infected or damaged, periodontal therapy works to eliminate infection, restore health, and prevent tooth loss.

Unlike routine cleanings that focus on the visible surfaces of your teeth, periodontal therapy addresses deeper issues below the gum line where bacteria accumulate and cause damage. Dr. Kostrzewski takes a comprehensive approach, combining advanced treatment techniques with patient education to help you maintain healthy gums long-term.

Friendly dental team and patients laughing together in the welcoming reception area at The Center for Complete Healthy Dentistry, providing gum disease treatment in Wilton, CT

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Understanding what causes gum disease is the first step in preventing and treating it. Several factors contribute to periodontal disease:

Primary Causes

  • Poor oral hygiene, allowing plaque and tartar buildup
  • Bacterial infection in the gum tissue
  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Genetic predisposition to gum disease

Contributing Factors

  • Diabetes and other systemic health conditions
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
  • Certain medications that reduce saliva flow
  • Stress that weakens your immune system
  • Poor nutrition, affecting your body’s ability to fight infection
  • Teeth grinding or clenching that puts excessive force on gum tissue

The good news? With proper periodontal therapy and ongoing care, even advanced gum disease can be effectively managed.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease often develops gradually, which is why regular dental checkups with Dr. Kostrzewski are essential for early detection. Watch for these warning signs:

Early Symptoms

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • Gums that appear to be pulling away from teeth

Advanced Symptoms

  • Receding gums that make teeth appear longer
  • Loose or shifting teeth
    Changes in your bite alignment
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Pain when chewing

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Early intervention through periodontal therapy can prevent more serious complications and save your natural teeth.

Periodontal Therapy Options

Dr. Kostrzewski offers several proven periodontal therapy treatments, customized to the severity of your condition:

Scaling and Root Planing

This deep cleaning procedure is often the first line of defense against gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach and prevent future bacterial buildup. Many patients experience significant improvement with scaling and root planing alone.

Antibiotic Therapy

Sometimes, Dr. Kostrzewski may recommend antibiotics—either oral or applied directly to the gum pockets—to help eliminate infection and promote healing alongside other treatments.

Gum Graft Surgery

When gum recession has exposed tooth roots, a gum graft can restore lost tissue, protect sensitive areas, and improve your smile’s appearance. Dr. Kostrzewski uses advanced techniques to ensure comfortable healing and natural-looking results.

Ongoing Maintenance

After initial treatment, regular periodontal maintenance appointments—typically every three to four months—help keep gum disease under control and protect your investment in your oral health.

Post-Treatment Care

Successful periodontal therapy doesn’t end when you leave our office. Your commitment to home care plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy gums:

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Floss or use interdental cleaners every day
  • Use an antimicrobial mouthwash as recommended
  • Attend all scheduled maintenance appointments
  • Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
  • Maintain a balanced diet to support immune function

Dr. Kostrzewski and our hygiene team will provide personalized instructions to help you protect your gums between visits.

Dentist performing a periodontal examination to check for gum disease using a dental scaler at The Center for Complete Healthy Dentistry in Wilton, CT

Periodontal Therapy FAQ

Dr. Kostrzewski uses local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during treatment. Most patients report minimal discomfort, and any post-treatment sensitivity typically resolves within a few days.

Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of your gum disease. Scaling and root planing may be completed in one to four appointments, while surgical procedures require additional healing time.

Without proper home care and regular maintenance visits, gum disease can recur. Following Dr. Kostrzewski’s recommendations dramatically reduces this risk.

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal therapy, as it’s considered a medically necessary treatment. Our team will verify your benefits and maximize your coverage.

Pricing and Insurance

Investing in periodontal therapy protects not just your oral health, but your overall well-being. Research links untreated gum disease to serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes complications, and stroke. By addressing gum disease now, you’re preventing more extensive—and expensive—treatments down the road while safeguarding your long-term health. We work with most insurance providers and will help you understand your coverage and explore financing options that fit your budget.

Call to Schedule an Appointment Today

Don’t let gum disease compromise your smile or your health. Dr. Walter Kostrzewski and our dedicated team at The Center for Complete Health Dentistry at Wilton are ready to help you achieve and maintain optimal gum health through personalized periodontal therapy.

Call us today at 203-762-5800 to schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation and take the first step toward healthier gums.

Schedule An Appointment