We work diligently to prevent periodontal disease. We diagnose your periodontal health status by examining your gum tissue and teeth both visually with a probe and with your digital x-ray images.
Unfortunately, periodontal disease is very common in adults. The signs of periodontal disease often include red and swollen gums that bleed quite easily as well as sensitivity, bone loss and mobility of the teeth. Some people with periodontal disease also have very bad breath that cannot be masked by gum or mouthwashes due to the infectious nature of the bacteria present. In some cases a patient is completely unaware that they have the beginning of periodontal disease. This is the best time to address the problem and avoid pain, costly treatment or even tooth loss.
A thorough professional cleaning is necessary to remove plaque and calculus, commonly referred to as tartar, from your teeth both above and underneath your gums. If your periodontal disease is at a point where mechanical debridement cannot promote gingival health, then an antibacterial mouth rinse such as Chlorohexidine may be prescribed. You may need to take oral antibiotics to help to get rid of the disease. Sometimes surgery is necessary to reduce the deep pockets of infection and create a more hygienic environment in your mouth.
Most periodontal experts today agree that the best results for non-surgical periodontal therapy are achieved by a blended approach; the combined use of power ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments. Rapidly changing technology has revolutionized periodontal therapy with integration of power scaling techniques resulting in improved clinical outcomes and patient comfort. Scaling and Root Planing procedure removes subgingival (sub-beneath, ginigival-gums) calculus, bacteria, and toxins ingrained into the root surfaces allowing the periodontal (gum) tissues to heal.
Once your periodontal disease is under control, good home care that includes brushing, flossing and other aids should help to maintain your periodontal health and avoid further destruction. More frequent cleanings can stabilize your periodontal health and help you to avoid painful and costly gum surgery.
If you are concerned that you may have periodontal disease, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (916) 485-3431.