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Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, can lead to more than just an unsightly smile—it can cause loss of teeth and eventually, if left untreated, other more serious health problems.
In periodontal disease, swollen unhealthy gums start to pull away from the teeth because of pockets where infection-causing plaque and tartar accumulate. During a deep cleaning, the dentist or hygienist removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and tooth roots. The dentist or hygienist then smoothes the surface of the tooth root to make it harder for bacteria to stick in the future and easier for the gums to re-attach.
Management of periodontal disease also involves a variety of other treatments in addition to deep cleanings. Periodontal therapy involves the enhancement of the gum tissue that holds your teeth in place. Diseased tissue must be replaced with healthy tissue whenever possible. If gum disease has caused severe gum recession, gum grafting may be necessary to move gum tissue back into place so that tooth roots are no longer exposed. We will also tackle the bacterial infection in your tissues directly by applying topical antibacterial or antibiotic solutions, either on their own or in conjunction with the treatment already mentioned.
Patients with very advanced or complicated periodontal disease may need to see a specialist. A periodontist is a dentist who works almost exclusively in the treatment of gingivitis, periodontal disease, and other afflictions of the mouth’s soft tissues. A periodontist is a fully trained dentist who completes additional specialized training in the field of periodontics after completing a general dental degree. While all dentists are trained to treat periodontal disease, this additional training makes a periodontist an expert in gum disease, its risk factors, and the symptoms and conditions that come with this dental disease. If you have been diagnosed with advanced gum disease, a periodontist may become a central part of your routine dental care and will work with us to create a treatment plan to keep your condition from getting worse.
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