Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease is a condition that can impact your oral health for years to come. When you have a periodontal disease diagnosis, work with a dentist you can trust to improve your oral health as quickly as possible. As your dentist in Brooklyn, NY, we provide periodontal disease treatment to help our patients reduce inflammation, eliminate periodontal disease, and take control of their dental health.
If you have signs of periodontal disease, see a dentist as soon as possible. Periodontal disease can lead to loose permanent teeth and even tooth loss. Treating this condition quickly can minimize the damage to your jaw and help you keep your permanent teeth.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a gum infection that damages some of the soft tissues in the mouth including the gum tissue around the teeth. Periodontitis is also called gum disease. This common condition can be prevented through good oral hygiene and making regular visits to the dentist. Once you have periodontitis, getting rid of it can be difficult. It’s important to work with your dentist to get rid of the inflammation as quickly as possible.
Signs You Have Gum Disease
There are many signs of periodontal disease to watch for. If you are affected by periodontal disease, you may have any combination of these signs. Talk to your dentist to get a diagnosis and treatment.
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away. Gum disease is an infection in the mouth and can produce chronic bad breath (halitosis).
- Discomfort in the teeth and gums. Your gums may feel tender when they’re touched, or you may experience discomfort while eating.
- Swollen gums. You may experience a range of symptoms including swelling around the gums, bleeding in the gums, and so on.
- Gum recession. Periodontitis can cause your gums to pull away from your tooth roots, exposing parts of your teeth that used to be covered by gums.
- Loose permanent teeth. Gum disease causes the jaw to deteriorate. This can lead to loose permanent teeth, and may even cause you to lose your permanent teeth over time. You may also notice a change in how your teeth fit together as the teeth shift.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts with plaque developing on the teeth. Over time, plaque turns into tartar, which hardens in a line around the base of the teeth. Plaque and tartar are filled with bacteria and can be difficult to remove. Tartar specifically can’t be brushed away. Your dentist must remove tartar for you.
Over time, this can cause gum inflammation that leads to a minor form of gum disease, known as gingivitis. You can treat gingivitis by improving your oral hygiene and visiting the dentist. If you don’t, you may develop gum disease.
Periodontitis Treatment in Brooklyn, NY
Periodontitis treatment can take many forms, depending on the severity of the condition. Many dentists start with non-surgical treatment usually referred to as deep cleaning.
Deep Cleaning Treatment for Periodontitis
Deep cleaning involves cleaning the teeth below the gums using techniques including scaling and root planing. Scaling involves the removal of bacteria below the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from building up there again. Your dentist may also recommend antibiotics.
Your dentist may also recommend surgical procedures as a part of your treatment, including:
- Bone grafting to prevent tooth loss
- Gum grafting to cover exposed tooth roots
How to Avoid Periodontitis
You can help prevent periodontitis by maintaining good oral hygiene habits and seeing your dentist regularly. Here are some things you can do to prevent periodontitis:
- See the dentist every six months
- Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily
- Avoid tobacco use and smoking
Gum Disease FAQ
How is gingivitis different from gum disease?
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is easier to treat and can be reversed without invasive treatments like surgery.
My gums bleed when I brush. Does this mean I have gum disease?
Although gums bleeding while brushing your teeth can be a sign of gum disease, there are other conditions that can cause this to happen. If you experience bleeding gums while brushing your teeth, talk to your dentist.
Will gum disease make my teeth fall out?
Gum disease that goes untreated can lead to permanent tooth loss. See your dentist for regular treatment if you have gum disease – this can help prevent the loss of your permanent teeth.
Could gum disease be the cause of my bad breath?
If you have chronic bad breath that isn’t affected by brushing your teeth, this could be a sign of several problems – including gum disease. It can also be a sign of an infected tooth, or a cavity, or other problems. Talk to your dentist.
Can gum disease harm my baby if I’m pregnant?
Gum disease can increase the risk of pre-term birth, low birth weight and pre-eclampsia. If you have gum disease, do not stop seeing the dentist during pregnancy. Continue to see the dentist to get treatment and control the condition.
If my spouse has gum disease, can I get it too?
Spouses can pass bacteria back and forth when they kiss. However, you can help avoid gum disease by maintaining good oral health and seeing the dentist.
What tools should I use to clean my teeth if I have gum disease?
Consider using a good electric toothbrush to clean your teeth. Electric toothbrushes can help reduce plaque buildup. Use string floss to floss your teeth. You may also benefit from using a water flosser to clean your teeth. Talk to your dentist about how to use a water flosser.
Need Help With Gum Disease? Contact the Professionals
Do you have gum disease in Brooklyn, NY? If so, gum disease treatment from a dentist you trust can help you take care of your teeth. Don’t delay treatment of your gum disease. Call today to make your next appointment.
