Do You Need Periodontal Therapy?

engelberg periodontal diseaseGum disease can lead to a number of serious oral health complications. In fact, in the late stages you could even suffer from adult tooth loss. Fortunately, we can use periodontal therapy to address gum disease and help restore the health of your smile. Do you need periodontal therapy?

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

The disease occurs as a result of untreated inflammation (gingivitis), which allows bacteria to reach sensitive tissue via pockets at the gum line. Patients may experience soreness or notice a redness in the gums. Later, bleeding may occur when brushing and flossing. As the disease worsens, you could notice receding gums, loose teeth, and may even lose one or more permanent teeth. Don’t ignore changes or discomfort in your gums. You should contact your dentist for a thorough exam and to discuss treatment options.

Periodontal Therapy

The treatments we recommend will depend on the cause and severity of your periodontal disease. In the early stages, we may recommend an anti-bacterial rinse or possibly a scaling and root planing to remove plaque from the teeth and under the gums. If you have a more advanced case, we may suggest laser dentistry or even refer you to a specialist.

How Do I Avoid Gum Disease?

What can be done to protect your smile from the disease? First, you should brush and floss your teeth daily. Doing so reduces the severity of plaque buildup, protecting the gums from inflammation. However, you also need to schedule a routine dental cleaning once every six months, as a cleaning is the only way to completely remove plaque from the teeth. If you have any questions about periodontal therapy, then please contact our office today.