Periodontal Disease
Restorative Dentistry
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a chronic infection of the gums and bone supporting your teeth. Like most of the disease we deal with in dentistry, it is often painless. However, periodontal disease or gum problems should be addressed as soon as possible.
Gums are the supporting structure of your teeth. Without a solid foundation of healthy gums, you risk further damage to your teeth and jawbone structure. Studies have also linked unhealthy gums to other health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and lower birth weight in newborns. Studies also show that periodontal disease can affect up to 75% of the population.
During your initial dental examination and follow up check-up exams, we check for signs of gum disease. If we detect any signs of gum disease, we will discuss it with you and explain what therapies are available.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
The first line of treatment is a deep cleaning, often called scaling and root planing. The goal of therapy is to rid your mouth of the disease-causing biofilm (layers of bacteria) hiding under your gums that are causing the periodontal infection. After the initial therapy, patients are usually seen every three months for periodic maintenance cleanings to help keep the disease from progressing.
- Make your gums look and feel better
- Keep the foundation of your smile stable and strong
- Eliminate the chronic bad breath associated with periodontal disease
- Boost your overall well-being by ridding your mouth of bacteria that contribute to other dental and systemic diseases
- Clear the field so your daily home care will be more effective at keeping the disease away in the future