Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease, often referred to as gum disease, affects roughly 30% of adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss. While it is a chronic condition, with regular professional care and diligent home maintenance, it can be effectively managed.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease can progress quietly, often without pain, causing significant damage to the tissues supporting your teeth. The gums and bones around your teeth act like a foundation for a house—if the foundation weakens, the structure is compromised.

Detection and Diagnosis

Regular dental exams and cleanings are vital for detecting gum disease early. Our team uses a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the gum pockets around your teeth; depths greater than 3 millimeters can indicate periodontal disease. We also assess the health of your gums and bone using digital x-rays to get a complete understanding of your oral health.

Treatment

The treatment for gum disease depends on its severity. Early stages might be managed with a couple of visits to our hygiene team, focusing on thorough cleanings and patient education for improved home care. More advanced stages may require deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing, to remove tartar from below the gumline and infected pockets. This is often complemented by medicated rinses and specialized cleaning tools like electric toothbrushes.

Maintenance is Key

Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial; plaque can begin to reform just hours after cleaning. For those with deeper pockets resulting from gum disease, more frequent professional cleanings may be necessary to manage the condition effectively. Depending on your situation, we might recommend visits two to four times a year.

Mouth-Body Connection

Emerging research highlights a strong link between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Inflammation from gum disease can exacerbate and be exacerbated by these conditions, underscoring the importance of good oral hygiene for overall health.

Gum disease can be controlled but not cured, necessitating a commitment to both professional care and rigorous home maintenance. If traditional methods do not adequately control your gum disease, we may recommend consulting a periodontist for specialized treatment.

By addressing gum disease proactively, we help protect not only your oral health but your overall health, preventing the progression of this silent ailment.