Periodontal Therapy – Santa Ana
A Healthy Foundation for Healthy Teeth
Gum disease is one of the greatest threats to your teeth, and it is much more common than you may think. Nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have some level of gum disease, and this percentage increases as you get older. Gum disease can lead to permanent damage and even result in tooth loss. Fortunately, we offer periodontal therapy to help restore your gum tissue and maintain a healthy foundation for a healthy smile. Read on to learn more about gum disease and how we address it at OC Dental Studio!
Why Choose OC Dental Studio for Periodontal Therapy?
- State-of-the-Art Technology
- Personalized Care for Each Patient
- Flexible Financing Available
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue and supporting tissues in the mouth. In most cases, it is a result of plaque and tartar buildup related to poor oral hygiene. This can lead to permanent gum damage, tooth loss, and other serious health risks. Here are two different stages of gum disease.
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It can usually be reversed by improving your dental hygiene routine at home and seeing your dentist for professional cleanings and dental exams.
- Periodontitis: This is a more advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, it cannot be cured, only managed. However, management is necessary to prevent further infection and serious complications, including tooth loss.
Several factors increase your risk of developing gum disease. Some of the most prevalent ones are smoking, chewing tobacco, poor oral hygiene, genetic factors, immune-compromising conditions, medications, and hormonal changes.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
It’s important to be on the lookout for and recognize the symptoms of gum disease. This way, you will know when change is necessary.
Gingivitis:
- Halitosis
- Bleeding when flossing and brushing
- Red, inflamed gum tissue
- Gum tenderness
- Recession of the gums
Periodontitis:
- Pain will chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Bite changes
- Tooth loss
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
After we determine the severity of the infections, one or both of the following treatment methods may be used to treat your condition.
Scaling & Root Planing
To prevent further infection, plaque and tartar buildups need to be removed via scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of breaking down plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. The planing part of the process involves smoothing down the tooth roots so they can be more easily reattached to the teeth and heal properly. This treatment is usually complete in two separate visits.
Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotics are often prescribed along with scaling and root planing. Even after your deep cleaning, some bacteria are left in the mouth, so antibiotics are great for fighting them off. During your visit with us, our team can explain the specifics of the antibiotics choosing and any instructions that you need to follow.