Periodontal Therapy
Protecting Your Gums and Overall Health
Gum disease is one of the most common problems seen by dentists. If you’ve noticed your gums are ready, puffy, inflamed, and maybe even bleeding when you brush and/or floss, you have gum disease, and if left untreated, it can cause serious problems down the line. With periodontal therapy in Montgomeryville from Dental Innovations, we can treat the problem in a way that will protect your gums and overall health. Don’t wait any longer! Call us to find out how we can help you take back your oral health.
What is Gum Disease?
When an infection occurs in your gums and/or bones that support your teeth, it will start as gingivitis. As plaque and tartar build around the gum line, it irritates the soft tissues, making them red and inflamed. If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into periodontitis, which can cause pockets to form around your gums. As bacteria and decayed food particles become trapped in the pockets, the infection can spread, even entering the bloodstream.
Why is Gum Disease so Serious?
If you go on to develop gum disease, you can expect a myriad of problems, not only with your oral health but with your overall health, too. These can include:
- Bone deterioration
- Teeth that loosen or fall out
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory disease
- A decline in cognitive brain function
In addition, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and low birth weight if you’re pregnant.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, call us immediately to schedule an appointment.
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing
- Loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus that develops between your gums and teeth
- Receding gums that pull away from your teeth and cause them to look longer
Understanding Periodontal Therapy
By continuing to visit your periodontist every six months, you are taking preventive measures to ensure your gums and teeth are in good health. However, should you develop gum disease, you can expect to receive quality periodontal therapy to care for the problem.
Charting and Diagnostic Services
As part of the preventive process, your periodontist will maintain a record of your gum health. During your regular visit, our hygienists will ensure your gums are healthy and tightly secured against the gum line. If not, small pockets will begin to form, and depending on the depth of the pockets, it can indicate whether you have an infection or gum disease. Our dental hygienists will record the pocket depth and keep track of any changes that might indicate early stages of periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
If it is discovered that you do need gum disease treatment in Montgomeryville, our dental team at Dental Innovations will perform a scaling and root planing procedure. Offered to patients suffering from moderate periodontal disease, scaling removes the plaque and bacteria living above and below the gum line. Once this is completed, root planing is performed to smooth the root and prevent reinfection.