Periodontal Care

Periodontal Disease | Deep Cleaning | Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a progressive gum infection with devastating effects on your oral health. If not treated, it can cause loose teeth, tooth loss, and even serious health problems. At Sensible Dentistry, we emphasize the prevention, early detection, treatment, and management of periodontal disease to ensure our valued patients enjoy long-term healthy smiles.

What Are the Causes of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease usually results from poor oral hygiene. When plaque is not removed by regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, it hardens to tartar and irritates the gums. Other risk factors include smoking, crooked teeth, diabetes, medications, hormonal changes in women, nutritional deficiencies, family history, and the natural aging process.

What Are the Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Warning signs of gum disease include red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums or persistent bad breath. As the condition progresses, patients often report painful chewing, sensitive teeth, loose teeth, gum recession, and changes in how the teeth fit together. Patients wearing partial dentures often notice changes in the fit and stability of their restorations.

If you notice any of the warning signs of periodontal disease, don’t wait. Contact our office right away. The sooner you start treatment, the more successful the outcome.

How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Your Oral and Overall Health?

The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can usually be treated with success. Otherwise, the condition may progress to periodontitis. The gums will begin to pull away from the teeth, leaving spaces called pockets that trap bacteria and debris. Periodontal disease destroys the connective tissues and bone supporting the teeth, leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Periodontitis is one of today’s leading causes of tooth loss in adults.

Periodontal disease also poses a threat to your overall health. The bacteria responsible for the gum infection can enter the bloodstream through your gum tissues, possibly affecting other areas of your body. Advanced periodontitis is linked to numerous health conditions, including coronary heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes complications.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Periodontal disease treatment starts with a deep cleaning, a nonsurgical procedure known as scaling and root planing. It involves using manual and ultrasonic techniques to remove plaque and tartar deposits at and below your gum line. Next is smoothing out the tooth root surfaces to promote gum tissue healing and reattachment. Depending on your unique needs, scaling and root planing may require more than one appointment.

In most cases, scaling and root planing can control the gum infection and prevent it from progressing. If, however, the condition is in its advanced stages, more involved treatments may be required.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

After treating your gum disease, we recommend periodontal maintenance appointments every 3-4 months. We will evaluate your gum health, measure the depth of your periodontal pockets, clean your teeth, and intervene when necessary to ensure the condition remains stable.

An essential component of your periodontal maintenance plan is maintaining meticulous oral hygiene practices at home, including regular brushing and flossing. Proper oral hygiene and professional treatment will ensure your smile stays healthy and bright for as long as possible.