Periodontal Treatment
What Is The Importance Of Periodontal Treatment?
Your teeth are surrounded by soft and hard tissues, which include the gums, periodontal tissues and jawbones. These tissues form the supportive foundation for your teeth and protect them from damage. If they are compromised, your teeth lose their stability and become loose. Unaddressed periodontal issues can also lead to tooth loss.
This is where a periodontist comes in. A periodontist is a dental specialist who has received training and certification to treat periodontal issues. Our dental practice has experienced periodontists who use state-of-the-art technology and advanced skills to preserve your oral health. We offer both non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment to prevent the severe consequences of gum disease. This way, you can maintain a healthy, radiant smile for years to come.
Questions About Periodontal Treatment
What Are The Causes of Gum Disease, And How To Prevent Them?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic condition that affects the gums, periodontal tissues, and jawbone. It is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth and under the gums. If plaque and tartar are not cleaned, they can cause inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. It is the first stage of periodontal disease and can be treated with oral hygiene maintenance and professional dental care.
However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which may eventually cause tooth loss. Some factors that may contribute to gum disease include:
- Lack of maintaining proper oral hygiene.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco frequently.
- Diabetes, which can affect the body’s immune system.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause.
- Use of medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or blood pressure drugs.
- Having a family history of periodontal disease.
You can prevent this disease by maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding its risk factors. If you notice signs of gum disease, schedule a consultation to receive early periodontal treatment at our dental clinic.
What Are The Different Phases of Gum Disease And How Are They Treated?
Gum disease affects the supportive structures of the teeth. It progresses slowly and gets worse if left untreated. It has four stages:
- Gingivitis: It is the first stage that causes redness, swelling, or inflammation of the gums. Our dentists can address it with regular dental cleanings.
- Mild periodontitis: It occurs when gingivitis advances and affects the connective tissues, resulting in gum pockets and mild gum recession. We can counter this stage with scaling and root planing, which are deep cleaning procedures.
- Moderate periodontitis: It is a more serious stage that involves bone loss and progressive gum recession. Our dentist may address it with a combination of non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment options.
- Severe periodontitis: This is the final stage of the disease that leads to severe complications, including tooth loss. At this stage, you may not benefit from conservative therapy and require more invasive options, such as laser or surgical treatments.
Patient Testimonials
See what out happy patients have to say about us
Took my 7 month old in for his first visit and everyone was so helpful and made the first visit so easy . Lisa in the front was so helpful answering any question I had and was so nice to me and my baby ,as well as made checking out easy and fast . Nora in the room was so patient and made sure my child was comfortable.
Karina and Lisa were very attentive in the front ! Nora, Juana, Alex were attentive to my treatment needs ! Dr. Dang is the best DANG dentist !!! He’s was very detailed with my treatment! He took his time to make sure I was comfortable through out my whole dental treatment!! Thank y’all !!
ruly and very satisfied with my dental appointment, I hadn't gone to the dentist in about 8 years because I had a bad experience. I switched my entire family to be seen with Dr.Dang, him and his team are great. Nora the dental assistant was very nice and informative throughout the whole visit.
What Is The Process of Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing are non-invasive procedures that are more thorough than regular dental cleaning, as they involve cleaning under the gum line as well. That’s why they are also known as deep dental cleaning. These procedures are part of conservative periodontal treatment to preserve healthy gums and jawbones.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar deposits from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums. On the other hand, root planing cleans and smooths the root surfaces of your teeth. If you have early-stage periodontitis, our dentists will suggest scaling and root planing to revert the symptoms and restore optimal gum health.
Are There Any Treatment Options For Receding Gums?
Gum recession is a condition that causes the gums to pull back from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots. This can increase the risk of sensitivity and root decay. Gum recession can be reversed in mild cases with conservative periodontal treatments, but in severe cases, you may need surgical treatments, such as:
- Gum grafting: This procedure involves taking a piece of gum tissue from another part of your mouth or a donor source and attaching it to the receded area to cover the exposed tooth roots and restore the natural gum line.
- Bone grafting: It involves placing bone material from your own body or a synthetic source into the areas where bone loss has occurred. This can help regenerate new bone and support the teeth.
- Pocket reduction surgery: This surgery involves lifting the gums and removing the plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. The gums are then sutured back in place, reducing the depth of the pockets around the teeth.
What Is The Link Between Periodontal and Systemic Health?
How Often Should I Have Dental Cleanings?
As a part of conservative periodontal treatment, we offer regular dental cleanings to help you maintain optimal gum health. It is recommended that adults should get professional dental cleanings twice a year to keep their oral health in good shape. Those who have active signs of periodontal disease may need more frequent dental cleanings to stop it from getting worse.
During these routine visits, our dentists will also check your overall oral health. If we find any worrisome signs, we can address them early before they impact your teeth and gums.
What Are The Right Practices To Maintain Gum Health After Periodontal Treatment?
It takes less time to recover after conservative periodontal therapy. You may experience minor sensitivity in your teeth for a few hours after the procedure. This is normal and will subside on its own. During this time, you should avoid consuming things that may trigger tooth sensitivity, such as hot coffee or ice cream. Brush your teeth and floss them regularly to prevent plaque accumulation.
For those who undergo periodontal surgery, our dentists will provide detailed guidance on caring for your gums. Avoid eating hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods, and limit the use of tobacco products. Recovering after a periodontal surgery may take a few weeks to months.
