Periodontal Disease Treatment Restores Oral Health
Nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 show some signs of periodontal disease. This serious gum infection can cause severe damage to the gum tissue and jawbone and may even increase your risk of other serious health conditions. Fortunately, periodontal disease is almost totally preventable with good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. At Dr. Bostani’s Advanced Dental in Burbank, California, we help our patients prevent periodontal disease through preventative care and routine screenings. In situations when periodontal disease does occur, we offer comprehensive treatments to restore oral health.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gum tissue and bone supporting teeth. It’s categorized into two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest and most treatable form of gum disease. Symptoms are generally red, swollen, or bleeding gums. When it advances to periodontitis, the gum tissue will begin to pull away from the tooth, leaving pockets where bacteria become trapped. Periodontitis can cause loss of bone structure and teeth.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
When bacteria are left long enough on the teeth, they form a biofilm known as plaque. This film will eventually harden and create a buildup of tartar which can spread below the gum line. Once this occurs, only professional treatment can slow the progression of the disease.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
The following are some warning signs of gum disease. If you notice any of these at home, please schedule an evaluation as soon as possible.
- Swollen, inflamed gum tissue
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gum lines
- Loose teeth
- Painful chewing
- Changes in the bite
- Chronic bad breath
- Change in the fit of partial dentures
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the condition. Individuals with gingivitis may only require more frequent cleanings and an improvement in at-home oral hygiene. To reverse more advanced stages of gum disease, we may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Scaling and Root Planing – A deep periodontal cleaning that removes tartar and infection from below the gum line. The surfaces of the roots are then smoothed out to prevent future disease.
- Medications – Antibiotics may be prescribed to control infection.
- Corrective Surgery – In some cases, corrective surgery may be necessary to reduce the periodontal pockets.
The Best Treatment is Prevention
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and routine dental cleanings can significantly reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. If you are in the Burbank, CA area and believe you may be showing early signs of periodontal disease or would like to schedule a routine exam and cleanings, call (818) 918-5533 today.
