Periodontal Therapy - ALPINE DENTISTRY, UT
ARE YOUR TEETH SENSITIVE ?
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease affects millions of Americans today, and many aren’t even aware that they have it. This disorder is likely to begin quietly, with minor symptoms, before progressing to devastating consequences such as tooth loss. Studies have shown gum disease significantly impacts a patient’s general health, contributing to heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with and treated for periodontal (gum) disease, regularly-scheduled periodontal therapy is vitally important to your success in managing disease progression. Here at Alpine Dentistry, we offer periodontal treatment to residents of Alpine, Utah.
Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is a gum infection caused by plaque buildup. Plaque toxins progressively eat away at the gums, teeth, and surrounding bone. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and it is marked by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If we treat it in its early stages, gingivitis can be reversed. However, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis is so severe that it might lead to tooth loss and jawbone degeneration. Periodontics is a dental specialty that focuses solely on gum disorders. Periodontists seek to diagnose and treat gum disease before it causes serious harm to the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth. Periodontists can treat gingivitis, periodontitis, and gum disease, among other periodontal issues.
What is Periodontal Therapy?
At Alpine Dentistry, we can collaborate with other dental professionals if necessary to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that includes gum disease treatment, oral surgery, and dental implants. During periodontal therapy, we remove any calculus (tartar), bacteria, and toxins from your teeth and gums. The therapy can be completed in one appointment or across multiple sessions. We will determine the duration of your treatment based on the severity of your condition.
Our Periodontal Treatment Options
Scaling and Root Planing
Although periodontal disease is technically incurable, it can be effectively treated and controlled with the help of our skilled dental staff. Depending on the severity of your present infection, your dentist will propose one of several successful periodontal therapies.
A hygienist performs this deep cleaning treatment for patients who have calculus and bacteria below the gum line. Plaque is removed from above the gum line of your tooth with frequent tooth brushing and flossing. Gum disease can be prevented and treated using root planing and scaling. The deep pocket is formed when calculus adheres to your teeth below the gum line, causing gum inflammation and bone loss. We must remove the calculus to recover the gums and the pocket to shrink. If left untreated, calculus and bacteria will develop gum disease, weakening bone and tissue and eventually leading to tooth loss.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing can:
- Prevent infection and disease.
- Protect the teeth from tooth loss.
- Safeguard the aesthetic of your smile.
- Eliminate bad breath.
Along with your regular visits to Alpine Dentistry, brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet are the most excellent strategies to avoid gum disease. If you have periodontitis, though, you will need more extensive therapy. Periodontal therapy is not a cure for gum disease. You’ll still need to keep your periodontal disease under control with good home care and regular dental appointments. If you believe you may have periodontal disease, please make an appointment as soon as possible.
