Periodontal Maintenance
Among the causes for periodontal (gum) disease are genetic susceptibility, smoking, and other illnesses like diabetes. Periodontal maintenance involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Most gum diseases are preventable with proper oral hygiene. However, what can start out as gingivitis (inflamed or bleeding gums) can quickly turn into periodontitis. In such cases, gums pull away from the tooth to create “pockets,” thereby exposing a dental root to infection. It can also lead to prolonged bad breath, loose teeth through bone loss, painful chewing and other complications.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
When you are a new patient to our practice, we will assess your gums and teeth. At that time we will come up with a lifetime regimen of regular dental cleanings to ensure your gums and teeth stay as strong and healthy as possible. If you have not had a cleaning or a periodontal assessment in a long time, it is never too late. Gum disease is not entirely reversible, but the unhealthy side effects can be halted through proper diagnosis and treatment throughout the lifetime.
Further Treatment
If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, we will come up with a treatment plan which will consist of deep cleanings to get your mouth back to optimal health. Through a series of appointments and treatments, we will do everything we can to get your periodontal disease to an arrested state where your mouth can begin to heal and be as healthy as possible!