Periodontal Therapy An Overview
Gum disease is often referred to as a “silent disease.” Many patients do seek treatment for gum disease until they are already showing signs that indicate the advancement of the disease such as bleeding gums. Some patients may not notice any pain or obvious symptoms until the condition has progressed. Our practice offers periodontal services for patients with gum disease.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of gum disease can help patients find treatment before the disease progresses or causes additional damage to the teeth or gums. Routine dental health exams are the most effective way to identify the early signs of gums disease. Our dentists perform a visual screening for periodontal disease during all exams.
If you notice any of the following symptoms or any other changes in your oral health, be sure to contact your dentist right away:
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Receding Gumline
- Loose teeth
- Pus between gums and teeth
- Sores in the mouth
- Halitosis
- Changes in the bite or fit of a denture
Poor oral hygiene is a major contributing factor in the development of gum disease. Twice daily brushing and flossing and routine dental health exams are the best ways to prevent gum disease. Other risk factors of gum disease include:
- Smoking or tobacco use of any kind
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes, particularly pregnancy
- Stress
- Missing Teeth
- Usage of certain medications
- Poor nutrition
- Diabetes
Periodontal Therapy What to Expect
Treatment of periodontal disease is essential for avoiding more complex dental and systemic concerns. Left untreated, gum disease can cause halitosis, gum recession, and tooth loss. As the disease progresses patients’ oral health begins to deteriorate. Patients with advanced gum disease also experience a higher rate of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and inflammation.
Dr. Chibb offers comprehensive periodontal therapy options for treating and reversing the early stages of gum disease. If caught early, the dentist is able to reverse gingivitis with a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. In more advanced cases, a scaling and root planing treatment may be required.
Scaling and root planing is an intensive cleaning treatment. Your dentist will perform a deep cleaning of the gums and teeth. This method of cleaning reaches into the pockets of the gums to remove bacterial build-up. Once the gums are cleared of bacteria, they are given the chance to heal. The doctor may make personalized recommendations for anti-bacterial mouth rinses and other products to help keep oral bacteria in check.
Our priority is to ensure that our patients are able to restore their optimal oral health. We will make every effort to coordinate with specialists that will provide patients with the services they need to fully restore their oral health. Patients with more complex cases of periodontal disease may be referred to Dr. Ed Lazer for advanced periodontal therapy treatments such as gum or bone grafting.
