At Thomson Family Dental, we understand that the health of your gums is just as important as the health of your teeth. Periodontal care focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, a common but serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health issues if left untreated. Our experienced team provides comprehensive periodontal services to help you maintain healthy gums and a strong, beautiful smile.
What is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the structures supporting your teeth, including your gums, periodontal ligaments, and bone. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of these supporting tissues. It begins as gingivitis (mild inflammation) and can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form that can lead to tooth and bone loss. Periodontal care aims to prevent, manage, and treat these conditions to preserve your oral health.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease can progress silently, with few noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, some common signs that you may need periodontal care include:
- Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums: Healthy gums should be pink and firm. Redness, swelling, or tenderness can be early signs of gum disease.
- Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Receding Gums: Gum recession, where the gums pull away from the teeth, is a common symptom of advanced gum disease.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may indicate an underlying periodontal issue.
- Loose Teeth: As gum disease progresses, it can weaken the supporting structures of your teeth, causing them to become loose or shift.
- Changes in Your Bite: If your teeth no longer fit together as they used to, it could be due to changes caused by periodontal disease.
Our Periodontal Services
At Thomson Family Dental, we offer a range of periodontal treatments tailored to the severity of your condition. Our goal is to restore the health of your gums and protect your teeth from further damage.
Gum Disease Prevention
Preventing gum disease starts with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. During your routine visits, we’ll check for early signs of gum disease and provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. We’ll also offer personalized advice on how to maintain healthy gums at home.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease in its early stages. This non-surgical treatment involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth (root planing) to help the gums reattach to the teeth. Scaling and root planing can stop the progression of gum disease and promote healing.
Periodontal Maintenance
For patients with a history of gum disease, regular periodontal maintenance is crucial to prevent recurrence. This involves more frequent cleanings and checkups, typically every three to four months, to keep your gums healthy and monitor for any signs of disease.
Gum Grafting
Gum recession can expose the roots of your teeth, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of decay and further gum disease. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth (or using donor tissue) and attaching it to the affected area to cover the exposed roots and restore the gumline.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the gum tissue and bone around a tooth to expose more of the tooth structure. This may be necessary for restorative procedures, such as placing a crown, or for cosmetic reasons, such as correcting a “gummy” smile.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
In cases of advanced periodontitis, pocket reduction surgery (also known as flap surgery) may be necessary. This procedure involves folding back the gum tissue to remove bacteria and tartar from deep periodontal pockets, then securing the tissue back in place. This reduces the pocket size and makes it easier to maintain healthy gums.
The Importance of Periodontal Care
Maintaining healthy gums is essential for your overall oral health. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to:
- Tooth Loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
- Bone Loss: As periodontitis progresses, it can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
- Increased Risk of Systemic Health Issues: Research has shown that gum disease is linked to other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
By taking proactive steps to care for your gums, you can protect your smile and your overall health.
Why Choose Thomson Family Dental for Periodontal Care?
At Thomson Family Dental, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of periodontal care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Here’s why patients in Thomson and the surrounding areas trust us for their gum health:
- Comprehensive Care: We offer a full range of periodontal services, from preventive care to advanced treatments, ensuring that all your gum health needs are met.
- Experienced Team: Our skilled dental professionals have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating gum disease, providing you with expert care tailored to your needs.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We take the time to educate you about your gum health and involve you in every step of your treatment plan, so you feel informed and confident about your care.
- Advanced Technology: We use the latest dental technology and techniques to ensure that our periodontal treatments are effective, efficient, and as comfortable as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontics
How can I prevent gum disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. A healthy diet and avoiding tobacco products can also help protect your gums.
What are the risks of untreated gum disease?
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and an increased risk of other health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing these complications.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is reversible with proper oral care and professional treatment. However, once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it can only be managed, not fully reversed. Regular periodontal care is essential to prevent further damage.
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
We prioritize your comfort during periodontal treatments. Many procedures, such as scaling and root planing, can be performed with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. We also offer sedation options for patients who are anxious or undergoing more extensive treatments.
How often should I have periodontal maintenance?
The frequency of periodontal maintenance visits depends on the severity of your gum disease and your individual needs. For most patients with a history of gum disease, we recommend maintenance visits every three to four months to keep the condition under control.
Serving Thomson and Surrounding Areas
Thomson Family Dental is proud to offer expert periodontal care to patients in Thomson, Warrenton, Wrens, Washington, and Appling. We are committed to helping you achieve and maintain healthy gums for a lifetime of strong, beautiful smiles.
Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation Today
Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health. Contact Thomson Family Dental at (706) 595-5152 to schedule your periodontal evaluation. Our team is here to provide you with the care you need to keep your gums and smile healthy.