Periodontal Care at the Dentist
July 28, 2022 2:34 amPeriodontal means “around the tooth.” Adequate periodontal care keeps the gums and bone that support your teeth healthy and strong. When we talk about periodontal disease, we’re referring to gum disease – a condition that is common, yet largely preventable with daily oral hygiene and routine oral care at the dentist.
As many as four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it. How is this possible? In its early stages, periodontal disease can go undetected because it is usually painless. However, there are several early warning signs that indicate you may be developing periodontal disease: gum swelling, tenderness, and redness, as well as gums that bleed easily.
Is Periodontal Disease Serious?
If not detected and treated early, gum disease can lead to widespread infection in your gums and jawbone. In addition to being the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, it can also increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other medical concerns. However, there’s some good news: when detected early, gum disease can usually be treated and reversed.
What Is the Treatment for Gum Disease?
Because untreated gum disease can have serious effects, Dr. Linkous and our team at Riverstone Dental Care emphasize the value of daily brushing and flossing in conjunction with professional periodontal care at the dentist. We have an in-house periodontist, Dr. Alex Mehraban, who specializes in treating periodontal disease. We pride ourselves on providing judgment-free care to our patients as we restore their gum health.
The first step in the treatment of periodontal disease is a gum evaluation to determine the current condition your gums. You may need scaling and root planing, two techniques that involve cleaning the roots of the teeth and beneath the gum line. Depending on your gum health, this can be coupled with antibiotics, laser therapy, or surgery.
Please contact us today to schedule a checkup at our office! During your visit, our team can recommend how to better care for your gums at home.
Categorised in: Gum Health