We offer periodontal care to help adults avoid the onset of gingivitis and gum disease, or to help manage these concerns to prevent discomfort and tooth loss. The key to a full smile is healthy gums, and we are ready to help! In today’s blog, Sunny Smiles talks about keeping smiles healthy and whole with periodontal treatment.
The Signs (and Causes) of Periodontal Disease
What are the symptoms of gingivitis and/or gum disease? You could experience soreness in your gums, and they could appear redder than usual. In addition, there could be bleeding when you brush and floss. As the issue increases in severity, there could also be recession that makes teeth appear longer, and which also exposes the roots and increases the risk of tooth decay and periodontitis. Causes range from poor brushing and flossing habits and a diet high in sugar to inflammatory illnesses like diabetes and even a family history of the disease. Our team can examine your smile to assess the cause and severity, and to choose the right treatment option for you!
Treatment for Early Stages
If we catch the issue in the gingivitis stage, or the earliest stages of periodontal disease, we could take a preventive approach with a scaling and root planing. Also known as a deep cleaning, this involves using the same tools as our traditional cleanings to remove all plaque and tartar from both the teeth and the exposed roots, as well as from under the gums. This could take one visit or more, depending on the severity of your buildup, and we will numb your smile ahead of time. When we finish removing buildup, we will polish the teeth to make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to form. We then help manage the issue with routine cleanings every three to four months afterward.
Laser Dentistry and More
If you have a more severe case of the disease, we could use dental lasers to gently trim away the diseased portions with precision and comfort, rarely even requiring anesthesia. We then reshape the gum line and destroy harmful oral bacteria, so you have a more attractive and healthier smile afterward. This takes only one visit, and you can usually return to your normal routine after a day or two of rest. We will then manage the disease to keep your smile whole and comfortable with routine care, such as a dental cleaning every three to four months.
If you have any questions about maintaining good periodontal health, then contact our team today to learn more!
Call Sunny Smiles for Preventive Dentistry
By caring for your gums, you can avoid discomfort and even limit the risk of tooth loss. To find out more about our office or to schedule an appointment, please call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry at 915.849.9000 today.