Jesek, Willhite, & Griffin Family Dental Care Center

Periodontal Therapy

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Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. After age 35, about 75% of adults have some form of gum disease. The early stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, characterized by tender, red, bleeding gums. Gingivitis is reversible with improved brushing and flossing habits. This stage is often painless and, therefore, can go unnoticed without regular dental visits.

As periodontal disease progresses to a more advanced stage, the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth are damaged. This advanced stage is much more serious and can result in separation of the gums from the teeth (forming pockets), infection, and severe bone loss. The teeth become loose and may fall out. Signs of this stage include a persistent bad taste, bleeding and pus coming from the gums, loose teeth, and a change in the way your teeth fit together when biting.

We will complete a thorough exam and take the necessary x-rays to diagnose periodontal disease at your routine check-ups. Treatment depends upon the stage of the disease. First, scaling will remove plaque and calculus deposits below the gumline. Root planning is performed to smooth roots, allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth. Irrigation with antimicrobial agents below the gumline flushes out debris and bacterial toxins from the pockets. Antibiotics are often prescribed to control infection. If the pockets between the teeth and gums are too deep to keep clean and the bone is destroyed, we may recommend periodontal surgery.

You can help prevent gum disease by taking good care of your teeth every day and scheduling regular dental check-ups. Other risk factors for periodontal disease include genetics, smoking, poor diet, drugs and certain medical conditions. Call our office to schedule your appointment today!