PERIODONTAL CARE
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common oral health condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. Without proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, this plaque will harden into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums.
Periodontal disease can manifest in different stages, ranging from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and loose teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can result in tooth loss and may contribute to other systemic health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Treatment for periodontal disease involves professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, and in severe cases, surgical intervention. It is crucial to seek the expertise of a specialist or a dental professional experienced in treating gum disease. By addressing periodontal disease promptly, individuals can prevent further damage to the bone, preserve their oral health, and maintain a beautiful smile for years to come. If you suspect you have periodontal disease, reach out to us for the necessary care and guidance for effective treatment and long-term oral health management.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal Disease is typically caused by bacteria in the mouth. Poor home care is a risk factor for periodontal disease because inadequate removal of plaque will cause plaque to adhere on the teeth and build up over time. If plaque is not removed, it will migrate into the gum pocket and cause inflammation of the gums such as bleeding, puffiness, red color, and irritation. Proper home care can help prevent or slow down the progression of periodontal disease.
What is scaling and root planning?
Scaling and Root Planning (SRP) a non-surgical procedure used to treat periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that affects the tissues and structures that support the teeth. SRP treatment helps bring periodontal disease back to health, stabilize, and or control the disease. This helps to prevent bacteria from accumulating on tooth surfaces and allows the gums to reattach to the teeth. The dental hygienist will administer local anesthesia to ensue SRP treatment is comfortable during the procedure. The dental hygienist will ultrasonic and scale thoroughly to the base of the pocket, to ensure tarter, plaque, and bacteria is removed. Laser Therapy is preformed after SRP treatment to remove dead tissue inside the pocket, kill bacteria, and help gum tissue heal faster.
Why is scaling and root planning recommended?
SRP treatment is recommended when the patient has deep pocket depths of 4-5mm and up, heavy bleeding and inflammation, tarter build up under the gums, bone loss, and radiographic calculus. It is important to have SRP treatment done as soon as possible to prevent further progression of periodontal disease which will cause damage to the teeth and gums.
Periodontal Care: How to prevent periodontal disease?
The most important prevention of Periodontal Disease is proper home care. This includes proper brushing technique with the correct toothbrush for at least 2 minutes twice a day, proper flossing technique with correct floss once a day, and possible mouth rinse if recommended by dental provider. Proper removal of plaque bacteria is essential for prevention because you are removing the main causing factor. The oral cavity is an ideal environment for bacteria because it is warm, wet, and we are feeding the bacteria with food that we consume. As a result, proper removal is important. The second important factor in the prevention of periodontal disease is regular dental visits. Regular cleanings can help remove hard to reach areas where bacteria build up and the clinician can check on periodontal status. Clinicians can recommend individualized home care routine and education for your periodontal health.
What’s the difference between a prophy and a periodontal maintenance?
Prophy
Prophylaxis also known as Prophy is a cleaning that cleans the crowns of your teeth above your gumline or 1-3mm into the gums (health measurement). Prophy is typically done on healthy periodontal patients.
Periodontal maintenance
Periodontal Maintenance is a form of treatment done for patients after they had scaling and root planning (Deep cleaning). Healthy gums do not require a deep cleaning; therefore, a deep cleaning is done to help bring periodontal status back to health or to stabilize the disease. Periodontal Maintenance is to help maintain/ control the periodontal disease from progressing. The clinician will clean above and under the crowns of your teeth, going deeper into the gums to remove plaque and or tartar build up. The clinician will also measure your gum depths at every visit to ensure periodontal status is being maintained and controlled.
