What is periodontics?
Periodontics is dentistry focused on the gums and the other structures in your mouth surrounding your teeth. A periodontist can:
- Treat gingivitis (mild periodontitis)
- Monitor your gum health
- Clean infected surfaces in your mouth
- Remove infected or damaged tissue
- Place and maintain dental implants
- Treat severe periodontitis
Unhealthy gums are even associated with serious diseases, such as arthritis, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
How do I know if I need periodontal care?
Periodontal disease usually presents telling signs. You might need treatment from the Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp team if you have the following symptoms:
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth and gums
- Bad breath
You might also experience receding gums or loose teeth.
What are the risk factors for periodontal disease?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, such as:
- Drug abuse
- Genetics
- Poor oral hygiene
- A poor diet
- Obesity
- Hormone changes
- Tobacco use
- Old age
If you have concerning symptoms or other dental health problems, you should visit Virginia H. Ellis, DDS, Dental Corp for more frequent professional dental cleanings and checkups.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Mild cases of gum disease can usually be treated with lifestyle changes, dental cleanings, and medications. More progressed cases might require dental surgery to fully restore your smile.
Some of the common treatments for periodontal disease include:
- Prescription mouthwash
- Flap surgery (surgical pocket reduction)
- Bone grafts
- Antiseptic chip (a medicated piece of gelatin for your mouth)
- Tissue grafts
- Medications
- Deep cleanings and scaling and root planing
- Lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, stress management, and sleep quality
Your dentist always explores all other options before recommending surgery.
How can a professional deep cleaning protect me from periodontal disease?
Professional deep cleaning is a great way to protect you from periodontal disease. When you’re cleaning your teeth at home, you probably aren’t getting between each tooth or scrubbing them enough.
Professional deep cleaning involves:
- Scraping the tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth
- Removing the plaque (bacteria) from your teeth
- Polishing your teeth with a rotating brush and special gel
Your dentist or your hygienist removes the plaque and tartar from your teeth and rinses away the debris with water.
Your dentist performs root planing and scaling to successfully remove bacteria and plaque below your gums to prevent bone loss and other dental complications. Scaling and root planing reach below your gum line for a deeper clean.
You can rest assured that the dedicated dental health professionals of Virginia H. Ellis, DDS, Dental Corp work diligently to protect you from periodontal disease, preserve your natural teeth, and lower your risks. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
