Treatments
we offer a wide range of services, including preventative care, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and more. Whether you need a routine checkup or a more complex procedure, we have the expertise and technology to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Periodontal Disease
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Loose teeth are caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone), both of which can be caused by gum disease.
- New spacing between teeth – This is a sign of bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Bad breath may be a sign that you have an excess of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – This definitely suggests that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – As your gums become stressed and damaged, they will recede from around a tooth and leave it loose and vulnerable.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – The high levels of plaque, tartar, and bacteria associated with periodontal disease irritate the gums and teeth.
What does treatment for periodontal disease involve?
Treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two professional dental cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planning). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and gum pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help control infection, speed healing, and prevent reinfection.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.