Periodontal Treatments
St. Joseph, Michigan
Did you know that four out of five people have periodontal disease, and many don’t even know it? At Michigan Coast Dental, we take the health of your gums seriously. If we detect signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. The non-surgical treatment is one of the most effective ways to manage periodontal disease and prevent its progression.
What Is Periodontal Disease and What Are Its Stages?
Periodontal disease is a serious infection and inflammation of the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligaments, and the alveolar bone. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Here’s a look at the stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: During this early stage of gum disease, patients often report red, swollen, and bleeding gums. The good news is that gingivitis is often fully reversible because the connective tissues and bones holding the teeth in place are still intact at this point.
- Early Periodontitis: During this stage, the gums start pulling away from the teeth, forming spaces called pockets, and a slight loss of bone and tissue supporting the teeth may occur. Treatment of early periodontitis will not reverse the condition but can manage it and prevent its progression.
- Moderate Periodontitis: Here, the bone and tissues supporting the teeth sustain significant and irreversible damage. It is imperative to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices and to seek treatment to prevent any further complications, including gum erosion and tooth loss.
- Advanced Periodontitis: In this advanced and destructive stage of periodontal disease, the periodontal pockets deepen, and the teeth often loosen and shift due to extensive supportive tissue and bone loss. Aggressive treatment is necessary, and tooth extraction is sometimes the only viable option.
What Are the Causes of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is usually the result of poor oral hygiene practices. When plaque is not removed by regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar and irritates the gums, causing inflammation. Additional risk factors of gum disease include smoking, the natural aging process, crooked teeth, a genetic predisposition, and hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
The first and most effective line of defense against periodontal disease is a deep cleaning called “scaling and root planing.” The non-surgical treatment involves using an ultrasonic cleaning device to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, gum line, and around the roots. Our hygienist will also smooth out the tooth root surfaces, providing a healthy, clean surface that promotes gum healing and reattachment.
If you address your periodontal disease before it progresses, scaling and root planing may be the only treatment you need. If, however, the condition is at an advanced stage, you may require more involved treatments, including periodontal surgery.
Periodontal Treatment After Care
Meticulous dental care after periodontal therapy is critical. That includes maintaining a thorough oral care regimen, with regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash. We may also recommend recall visits every 3-4 months, during which we will clean your teeth and evaluate your gum health. Our goal is to ensure the condition does not progress to prevent its devastating effects on your oral health.
Periodontal Treatment Near Me in Saint Joseph, MI
If you have symptoms of periodontal disease or want to learn more about maintaining a healthy smile, contact Michigan Coast Dental for a consultation. Our team is committed to providing preventive care and periodontal treatments to maintain your oral health.
We invite you to contact our office at 269-428-4430 to schedule your appointment today!
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