Periodontal Treatment

Did you know gum disease is the most common reason for adult tooth loss? Over half of Americans aged 30 and over have some form of periodontal disease. Fortunately, regular deep cleanings can help prevent periodontal disease and keep your gums healthy.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can destroy the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth.

It starts when plaque, or a sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. If this buildup is not removed, it can turn into tartar (calculus), which is much harder to remove. This buildup of plaque and tartar irritates and inflames your gums, which can cause them to pull away from your teeth. Once the gum line begins to recede, pockets can form between your teeth and gums and provide the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and thrive, which can cause further damage.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some symptoms of gum disease include:

Gum tissue that bleeds easily
Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
Persistent bad breath
Discharge from around your teeth and gums
Receding gum tissues and exposed tooth root
Teeth that feel loose
Changes in the fit of partial dentures
New sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

If you experience these symptoms, please contact us as soon as possible!

Treating Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a severe condition that can lead to tooth loss and other more serious dental problems. Luckily, it is also one of the most treatable diseases.

The first step in treating the diseased gum tissue is to remove the plaque and tartar built up on the teeth. Next, we will use special instruments to scrape off the tartar above and below the gum line. Next, we will gently clean your teeth and healthy gum tissue with a special solution that will help to remove any bacteria left behind.

Once the plaque and tartar have been removed from the gum and bone tissue, the next step is to treat any infection that may be present. This can be done with antibiotics, antiseptics, or surgery. In some cases, dental implants may also be necessary to replace missing teeth.

Once your teeth and gums have been cleaned and we have determined no further treatment is needed, we will work with you to develop a plan to prevent gum disease in the future. This may include changes to your oral hygiene routine and more frequent dental visits.

Scaling and Root Planing

If your gum disease is more advanced, we may also recommend an additional treatment. Scaling and root planing is a form of deep cleaning used to remove tartar and bacteria below the gum line.

This is achieved by removing sub-gingival bacteria beneath the gums and from the surfaces of the roots of the teeth. Keeping your gums clean prevents damage to the underlying bone and reduces the pocket depth to facilitate easier cleaning of the teeth and gums in the future.