Periodontal Disease Treatment in Plano, TX

Periodontal Disease Treatment in Plano, TX
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Plano, TX

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease, also termed gum disease, refers to a bacterial infection that leads to cause inflammation of the tissues supporting your teeth. When your gums are healthy, they tightly conform to each of your teeth. However, when you have gum disease, your gums pull away from your teeth.  When your gums turn red, puffy, and swollen, they may go away from your teeth, creating gaps known as periodontal pockets. Bacteria can collect in these pockets, making your gum disease worse. As the periodontal disease progresses, the soft tissues and bones that cause your teeth become damaged. Over time, your teeth may become loose and even fall out or need removal. That’s why treating periodontal disease in the early stages is crucial in maintaining a healthy smile and preventing tooth loss. Visit our dental clinic near you to book an exam with Dr. Z and her team of dental professionals. Remember, early treatment is vital in managing gum disease.

There are four stages of gum disease:

1.  GINGIVITIS (Inflammation of the gums)

  1. Bacteria from plaque produce acid, which irritates the gums, resulting in inflammation
  2. Gums are swollen, inflamed, and red
  3. There may be some bleeding

2.  EARLY PERIODONTITIS

  1. Inflammation advances into the supporting structures of the teeth.
  2. Some bone loss occurs, leading to the formation of pockets.
  3. Gums continue to bleed.

3.  MODERATE PERIODONTITIS

  1. Ongoing inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth.
  2. Increased bone loss and some movement of the teeth.
  3. The bone loss extends between the roots of the teeth

4.   ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS

  1. Bone loss and tooth mobility increases
  2. Eventual loss of one or more teet

When you come to SS Dental for your exam and cleaning, our hygienists will check you for periodontal disease. The hygienist utilizes a periodontal probe to assess the depth of the pockets around each tooth. Healthy teeth have pockets that are 3mm or less deep. As periodontal disease progresses, these pockets become deeper. This means bacteria have more space to grow and cause significant damage to your gums and bones, resulting in loose teeth. Very deep pockets are an indication of advanced periodontal disease. Our dental office in Plano, TX, uses low-dose digital X-rays to check your teeth and supporting bone. Bone loss is another sign of damage from periodontal disease.

If your periodontal disease has progressed far enough, Dr. Z may recommend scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning. Deep cleaning is different from regular teeth cleaning.  During a scaling and root planing process, the hygienist will clean the bacteria from within the pockets around your teeth.  She may even place Arestin to help prevent the growth of bacteria and heal your gums.

More Facts about Periodontal Disease:

  • On average, 50% of American adults aged 30 to 90 experience bleeding gums.
  • People dealing with diabetes are twice as likely to develop severe gum disease.
  • Gum disease is the prime cause of tooth loss in adults aged 35 and older.
  • Risk factors for gum disease involve smoking, crooked teeth, defective fillings, pregnancies, and the use of oral contraceptives.
  • A diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in nuts and fish, can help lessen the risk of gum disease.
  • Regular brushing and flossing twice daily and routine dental checkups are crucial for preventing gum disease

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease:

  • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
  • Red, swollen, puffy, or tender gums
  • Gums that no longer fit snugly around your teeth
  • Ongoing bad breath or a persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Growing gaps between your teeth
  • A sensation of loose teeth
  • A change in your bite alignment
  • A change in the fit of your partial dentures

You might observe one or more of these warning signs, or you may not experience any symptoms of gum disease at all. That’s why it’s important to see Dr. Z and the oral health care specialists at SS Dental regularly. Gum disease treatment is most successful when it’s caught early. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at SS Dental and schedule your appointment to see Dr. Z today.

FAQs

Can periodontal disease affect overall health?
Yes, studies show that gum disease is connected to other health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and breathing problems. Getting rid of gum disease may help your health in general.
Is periodontal disease preventable?
Indeed, maintaining good oral hygiene practices like brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and attending routine dental check-ups can greatly lower the risk of developing periodontal disease.
How can I determine if I have periodontal disease?
Watch for signs such as gums that bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are red, swollen, or tender, receding gums that make teeth appear longer, and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. If you notice any of these signs, you should make an appointment with our Plano, TX dentist for a full checkup.
What should I expect during a periodontal maintenance visit?
During a periodontal maintenance visit, your dental professional will conduct a comprehensive cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, measure pocket depths, check for gum bleeding, and guide you on maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home.
How often should I have a periodontal evaluation?
A periodontal evaluation is recommended at least annually. If you smoke, have diabetes, or have a family history of gum disease, more frequent evaluations may be necessary to monitor your oral health effectively.