Do you suspect you may need gum therapy or periodontal disease treatment in Phoenix, AZ? At Beautiful Smiles of Arizona, we offer targeted periodontal treatments to promote optimal oral health and total-body wellness for our patients.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth when plaque, a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva is not adequately removed and turns into tartar which can begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
The majority people have periodontal disease and don’t know it. Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in its earliest stages.
What are the Effects of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the top reason for tooth loss, and has been linked to additional health concerns including stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and maintaining your regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
The top symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease in Phoenix
At Beautiful Smiles of Arizona, a complete periodontal exam of the mouth will be done before any treatment is performed or recommended. Your gum treatment will depend on the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone.
Some of our top periodontal disease treatments include:
Scaling and Root Planing
To preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar) which initially caused the infection, must be removed in a periodontal deep clean procedure called scaling and root planing. The gum pockets will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics as necessary to help alleviate the infection. Our dentist may recommend a prescription mouthwash to be incorporated into daily cleaning routines.
Tissue Regeneration
When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures. A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to assist in the regeneration process.
Pocket Elimination Surgery
Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment which can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Surgery on the jawbone is another option which serves to eliminate indentations in the bone which foster the colonization of bacteria.
Dental Implants
When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone. Tissue regeneration procedures may be required prior to the placement of a dental implant in order to strengthen the bone. Our skilled team will be with you every step of the way to make the process as healthy and seamless as possible!
Periodontal Maintenance
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist at Beautiful Smiles of Arizona will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year.
At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line. Your dentist will also examine x-rays, existing restorations, signs of tooth decay, and more, to assess your complete oral health.
Periodontal Treatment for a Healthier Smile
Caring for your gums means caring for the rest of your body! If you suspect you need treatment for the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, contact us today.
