Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone which hold your teeth in place. Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak; they also spoil your smile.
With periodontal disease, symptoms such as bleeding, redness, and swelling aren’t always present. Pain is not usually associated with this disease.
Periodontal disease damages the teeth, gum, and jawbones of more than 80% of Americans by the age of 45.
Your best offense is a good defense. Make sure your gums, as well as your teeth, are examined on a regular basis.
Questions about periodontics? Call our office for a consultation.
Often, in the early stages of periodontal disease, non-surgical therapies are used.
The initial treatment stage is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line.
Tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.
Antibiotics and/or irrigation with special mouth rinses may be prescribed to help control bacteria. In some cases, antibiotic fibers may be placed in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing, to control infection and encourage normal healing.
Other non-surgical techniques may be recommended. Our dentists will be happy to discuss them with you.
