Dental Labs

What Is Dental Antimicrobial Therapy

Antimicrobial therapy is used to decrease bacterial growth in the mouth and it is also used to treat periodontal disease. The therapy uses a chemical to prevent the spread of mouth bacteria which can result in tooth loss and the use of fake teeth. There are two forms of therapy and that is antibiotics and antiseptics. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria while antiseptics are use to prevent gum disease. Today, lasers are used by dentists to kill specific bacteria and pathogens and the laser therapy is effective for a quicker healing process.

Antiseptics contain alcohol, povodine iodine, sodium hypochloride and chlorhexidine. Mouthwashes have antiseptics that help control and kill bacteria. They can be bought anywhere like in grocery stores and drugstores. With antibiotics, the bacteria present inside the mouth will be fought off with specific antibiotic medications and some these are clindamycin, penicillin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin.

Antimicrobial therapy is not really used often used in treating gum disease or removing bacteria because there are bacteria that resist antibiotics. They are only used if deemed necessary. The first treatment done before undergoing antimicrobial therapy is for the patient to undergo scaling and root planing. With these procedures, plaques will be removed as well as the tartar. An anesthetic will be injected to the tooth area for the patient to feel numbness because the procedure is painful and may cause discomfort.

After the procedure, your dentist will prescribe you an antibiotic which you will be advised to take for 7 to 10 days. You will also be advised to buy an antiseptic which you would not need a prescription for as you can just buy them over the counter. A local antimicrobial therapy can also be done which means that the antibiotic will be placed directly to the area where it will be needed. It can either be through gel or it can be in powder form. After antimicrobial therapy, proper oral hygiene is still needed such as brushing your teeth twice a day for at least three minutes and flossing once a day.

If you were given antibiotics as your medication, you need to strictly take them as scheduled. Do not floss the area where an antibiotic is placed to prevent it from being dislodge. After your medication, you will be advised to go back to your dentist as your dentist will check the area and remove any antibiotic that is left in your mouth. You can then start your normal way of brushing and flossing. Usually after 3 to 4 months, you will be advised to go back to your dentist to make sure that the area has properly healed.