Poor dental habits, habitual smoking, and even certain medications can unfortunately lead to periodontal disease. It’s an infection in your gums that can create a lot of health problems if left untreated. However, at The Dental Suite, we have the right tools to diagnose and successfully treat it with periodontal therapy.
Gum disease exists in stages. When bacteria collects on the surface of your teeth and gums, this creates a sticky film called plaque. This can cause irritation and inflammation in your gums, known as gingivitis.
When plaque hardens, becoming tartar, gingivitis progresses into periodontal disease. The gums start to recede away from the roots of your teeth, inviting bacteria to enter the bloodstream, continuing to affect the gums and jawbone, and eventually causing tooth loss. It becomes harder to treat at this stage, which is why you should see your dentist as soon as possible when you notice signs of gum disease.
Periodontal therapy can involve a number of procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, that aim to treat the infection caused by gum disease and restore the gumline. This includes root planing and scaling to remove plaque and tartar, gum grafts, bone grafts, and more.
The best defense against gum disease is regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. If you are particularly prone to gum issues and tooth decay, we recommend coming to see our dentist for cleanings and oral exams. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for periodontal therapy!
