Protect Your Smile at its Foundation with Periodontal Care
Did you know that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Did you also know gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic illnesses? Understanding the signs and treatment options can help you achieve and maintain optimal gum health. Call Admire Dental in Haltom City, Texas, and take advantage of our advanced periodontal care.
How does gum disease develop?
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Plaque contains harmful bacteria that irritate your gums over time, leading to gingivitis. At this early stage, there’s no permanent damage to your gums. Gingivitis is reversible with standard cleanings and diligent at-home dental care.
Some symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Sensitive teeth
- Bleeding, especially when flossing or brushing
- Tenderness
- Red or swollen gums
- Stubborn bad breath
Without treatment, gingivitis advances to moderate periodontitis. Common symptoms include receding gums or teeth appearing longer than usual. The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis, in which permanent damage occurs to your gums, teeth, and underlying bone. Common symptoms include pus in the deep periodontal pockets, changes in your bite alignment, and loosening of one or more teeth.
How is gum disease treated?
The treatment choice for periodontal disease depends on its severity. We always start with the most conservative options and turn to more advanced care only if needed. Here are the treatment options we may recommend.
- Deep teeth cleaning: This non-surgical treatment includes scaling and root planing (SRP). Scaling removes plaque and tartar from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Then, the dentist smoothes (planes) the root surfaces to eliminate rough patches that encourage bacterial buildup.
- Antibiotic therapy: Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to reduce the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, allowing gums to heal.
- Periodontal surgery: We recommend gum surgery when the disease is too advanced to manage with non-surgical interventions. Periodontal surgery may include bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, and gum flap surgery. Dental implants may be necessary to replace irreparably damaged teeth.
Even after gum disease is treated, it can recur if it isn’t properly managed. We recommend periodontal maintenance visits every 3-4 months to keep the infection under control. Between visits, good home care is essential. Brush and floss daily, and use any prescribed medicated rinses to help maintain your gum health.
What are the benefits of periodontal care?
Many people don’t realize the impact of periodontal health on their overall well-being. From preventing tooth loss to safeguarding your systemic health, periodontal care offers several benefits.
- Save your teeth: Stop periodontal disease from destroying the bone that supports your teeth.
- Fresh breath: Eliminate chronic bad breath by treating the infection from areas your mouthwash or toothbrush can’t reach.
- Lasting comfort: Periodontal care addresses tenderness and swelling that can make eating and brushing uncomfortable.
- Restore your health: Reduce inflammation that has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other systemic illnesses.
- Save money: Investing in periodontal care now helps you avoid more costly, invasive dental procedures, such as bone grafting or dental implants.
Does my local dentist in Haltom City offer treatment for gum disease?
Admire Dental helps patients achieve optimal gum health with targeted periodontal care. If you spot signs of gum disease, don’t wait. Call (682) 564-9544 and schedule your periodontal consultation with Dr. Kohli and his team.
