Periodontal Disease Treatment

Effective Periodontal Treatment

oral care products

The word periodontal actually means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease refers to any number of diseases that affect the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, this includes your gums and bones. If left untreated, it can eventually result in tooth loss.

How Does Periodontal Disease Begin?

Periodontal disease is hardly noticeable at first. It begins when plaque starts to calcify, becoming tartar, and destroys the gums and bones. Plaque is made up of bits of food, bacteria, and saliva. Periodontal disease is completely painless in the beginning so most people are totally unaware of it. Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t even know it!

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

  • Red, swollen, and bleeding gums
  • Receding gums
  • Gum tenderness, pain, or discomfort
  • Loose teeth
  • New spaces forming between your teeth
  • Pus around the teeth and gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Tenderness or discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

  • Genetics
  • Diseases like cancer and AIDS, as well as their treatments
  • Certain medications
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Hormonal changes in females
  • Smoking

Periodontal Disease Treatment

If you have any form of periodontal disease, Drs. Fixari and their talented staff can get you back on track to a healthy and beautiful smile in no time. The type of periodontal treatment you receive will largely depend on the type and severity of your periodontal disease. We will determine the right course of treatment for you.

The earliest stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. If it is caught early, a thorough cleaning may be all that is needed. However, if your periodontal disease has progressed into periodontitis, a special deep cleaning called scaling and root planing will be necessary.

The space between your teeth and gums, called the sulcus, should be less than three millimeters deep. If it is deeper than this, you will need this special periodontal treatment to restore your teeth and gums to a healthy state.

Advanced Periodontal Disease Treatment

  • Anesthetic – A section of your mouth is numbed for the procedure
  • Scaling – Tartar and plaque are removed from the teeth and around the gum line
  • Root Planing – The root surface is smoothed down to prevent more plaque from adhering

You don’t have to lose your teeth to periodontal disease. With regular visits to Fixari Family Dental and healthy habits like brushing, flossing, and a balanced diet, you can have a beautiful and healthy smile once again.