Periodontal or gum disease is a widely prevalent oral condition that can lead to tooth loss and other general health problems. Proper oral hygiene practices and regular teeth cleanings are the initial protective practices against gum problems. At Midtown Dental Clinic, we provide numerous effective periodontal treatments that can help maintain your oral health and an attractive smile. An oral exam every six months will allow us to diagnose early signs of periodontal disease and deliver prompt treatment before the progression of the disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Plaque accumulation along the gumline is the primary cause of periodontal disease. This accumulation can reach the gum line and form deep pockets of infection between the soft tissue and teeth. When the condition advances, the periodontal disease can become severe. Other factors for periodontal disease include diabetes, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, tobacco use, and stress. Besides affecting your oral health, the condition may pose a risk to overall general health.
What Are Common Symptoms of Gum Disease?
There are various symptoms associated with periodontal disease. Based on the stage of a patient’s condition, they may experience the following:
- Swollen, red, swollen, or inflamed gums
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing
- Receding gums
- Spaces between the gums and teeth
- Foul breath
- Discharge along the gumline
- Shifting of teeth
- An ill-fitting denture or bridge
- Loose teeth
Gum Disease Treatments
Scaling and Root Planing
This gum care treatment is essentially a deep cleaning for your teeth that effectively removes the plaque and tartar accumulation from the surfaces of your teeth and smoothing your roots. In the scaling process, the deep pockets of bacteria along the gumline are meticulously cleaned. Root planing can decrease the size of these pockets and stimulate healthy gum tissue to re-attach to the teeth.
Modern dental technology has improved the way periodontal disease is treated. In most cases, lasers can be used in place of scalpels, enhancing the efficiency of procedures and patient comfort and safety. These lasers can treat diseased gum tissue without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. After the plaque and calculus buildup has been cleaned, a laser can also be used to seal and disinfect the gums and teeth, reducing the risk of future infection and assisting the body’s natural healing process.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
If the periodontal pockets are deep, we will access them by performing pocket reduction surgery. We will make incisions to expose the teeth’s roots, clean them, and close your gums.
A gum graft procedure will help reverse gum recession effects.
For more information about periodontal care treatments, call Midtown Dental Clinic in Richland, WA, Suite 199352 at (509) 946-1678 and schedule an appointment.