Periodontics

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on gum health and the treatment of disease. Many people suffer from gum disease, especially older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that over 70% of American seniors over 65 have some degree of gum disease.

Preserves Natural Teeth. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you have to follow recommended treatments and maintain regular cleaning appointments. Our hygienists will teach you techniques and methods of good oral care at home so that you stay on a healthy pass.

Restore your Healthy Smile. When your gums are healthy, your smile is radiant. You will no longer have visibly red, swollen gums, and you can prevent further gum recession by following your recommended gum maintenance schedule

Fresh Breath. Do you have bad breath, no matter how often you brush your teeth? People with gum disease frequently have bad breath due to retained bacteria below the gum line. Treating gum disease will improve your self-confidence and social life.

Improved Cardiovascular Health. The link between cardiovascular health and gum disease comes down to inflammation. Gum disease causes a high level of inflammation in the body, which can lead to systemic disease. Controlling gum disease will reduce your risk of heart disease.

Benefits of Periodontal Care

Procedures Offered

Periodontal Maintenance. Regular visits can help you maintain your gum health. During your periodic visits, the dentist will evaluate you for pocket depth, infection, and gum recession, among other signs of gum disease. After the initial scaling and root planing, depending on the disease's severity, we recommend regular periodontal maintenance every three to four months.

Scaling and Root Planing. Scaling and root planing can help reduce gum disease severity by removing plaque and tartar build-up. Scaling involves using specialized instruments to reach below the gum line and clean off accumulated tartar. Root planing means smoothing the root's surface to which the healthy gums can get re-attached again.

Laser Dentistry. Laser dentistry means less discomfort, faster healing times, and more efficiency in treatment. After periodontal treatment, we use soft-tissue diode lasers to remove the remaining bacteria attached to the soft tissue deep inside the pocket. The diode laser targets darker-colored cells and molecules, like melanin and hemoglobin, which are in higher concentrations in diseased tissue. The laser does not damage healthy tissue, promoting faster healing. Our excellent and experienced hygienists are here to offer you the anesthesia you need to make you comfortable while we give you great dental care.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease often has no painful symptoms until the late stages. It is a silent disease. Patients might not be aware of their periodontal condition until they develop these symptoms. Warning signs that you may be developing gum disease are as follows:

Tender, swollen, or reddened gums

Oral pain or mouth sores

Loose teeth or increased spacing between teeth

Bleeding when you brush, floss, or eat hard foods

Gums that recede (pull away from the teeth) and appear longer than before

Pus formation between the teeth and gums

Bad breath that persists, despite conscientious brushing

Altered dental bite

Partial dentures no longer fit correctly

Types of Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease)

When left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is an advanced infection of the gums. Plaque and calculus (tartar) build up below the gum line, and bacteria produce toxins that cause an inflammation cascade reaction. Chronic inflammation triggers the immune system to break down periodontal ligaments of the tooth, creating deeper pockets. Deep pockets are a perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria that are very harmful. If the condition is left untreated, the ligaments keep breaking down and the surrounding bone gets destroyed. Progression of periodontitis leads to periodontal infections and tooth loss.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Gums bleed easily, and they become red and swollen. You will likely feel no discomfort if you have gingivitis. Fortunately, this stage of gum disease is reversible if you visit a professional for regular cleanings and practice excellent home oral care.

Oral Health & Wellness

We believe that excellent oral health has a significant impact on our patients’ lives and provide services to help our patients maintain or improve their oral health. Keeping the mouth free of harmful bacteria, infection and inflammation helps to prevent the entry and spread of germs or illness. Having strong, healthy teeth, gums and proper bite are also critical to a beautiful and healthy smile. For patients who have already experienced tooth loss, implants can help repair and maintain oral and overall health by replacing natural teeth and minimizing bone loss.

Oral health is a key part of overall well-being and physical health.

Great Oral Health Helps You:

Eat and chew healthy, nourishing foods

Defend your body against infection and illness

Get a good night’s sleep

Enjoy a feeling of well-being

We recognize the important connection between the mouth and the body, we routinely watch for signs of problems that may affect your overall health such as:

Signs of oral cancer

Ability to chew and eat without unnecessary sensitivity

Quality of sleep by checking for evidence of bruxism (or teeth grinding) and also watching for signs of snoring and sleep apnea

Although scientific research is just beginning to provide us with more conclusive information, it appears that gum disease may have links to some of the following health problems:

  • Research has indicated that people with diabetes are more at risk for developing gum disease and that diabetics who have advanced periodontal disease may experience some additional challenges in managing their blood sugar.

  • Although the scientific research at this point remains inconclusive, these diseases appear to have a link to periodontal conditions:

    Osteoporosis – Bone loss not only affects the bones that support healthy posture and movement, but can affect the jaw bone and lead to tooth loss due to the loss of a solid foundation to support the teeth.

    Respiratory Disease – The aspiration of bacteria growing in the oral cavity can contribute to the development of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

    Cancer – According to the American Academy of Periodontology, men with gum disease are more likely to develop specific types of cancer such as kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers.

Scientists are also currently researching to determine if there is a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, memory, and pre-term or low birth weight babies.