Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease and, unfortunately, it is more common than you may think. According to the Center for Disease Control, about half of American adults have periodontal disease. If you believe you’re suffering from this disease pay a visit to our office. Schneider Family Dental has extensive experience in diagnosing and successfully treating this illness.
Gum disease is caused when bacteria are allowed to build up between your teeth and gums. These bacteria thrive in the plaque (a sticky, colorless film) in your mouth and as they grow they inflame your gums. This first stage is called gingivitis.
If not properly treated, gingivitis will lead to full-blown periodontitis. At this stage, there is a deterioration of the gums supporting bone structure. This, in turn, will lead to gum recession and eventually, even tooth loss.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
The best way to treat periodontal disease is to prevent it from developing in the first place. Maintaining a healthy mouth includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, not smoking, and regularly visiting Schneider Family Dental to check on the health of your gums.
Proper oral care is the main way you can prevent the gingivitis that leads to periodontal disease. Dr. Matt can walk you through the steps and make sure you understand proper brushing and flossing techniques.
What if I already have it?
There are several treatments for periodontitis. These options differ depending on the severity of the illness. Non-Surgical treatment may include scaling and root planing which involves carefully removing plaque and tartar build-up from the deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins.
If the gums and gum pockets don’t heal themselves, periodontal surgery may be needed. Surgery enables the dentist to reach the deepest pockets to remove the plaque and tartar. If the disease has progressed enough to deteriorate the bone, surgery can repair the damage. For these diagnoses, Dr. Matt and his team will be committed to helping you restore your dental health.
If you’re exhibiting symptoms such as swollen or bleeding gums, contact us (614-889-2211) today so we can address this problem before it gets worse and to get your oral health back on track.