Maintain Healthy Gums with Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy involves the prevention and treatment of gum disease. The professionals at our dentist's office in Nashville, TN, have provided safe, effective gum disease treatment to many patients in our community. Our doctors are dedicated to our patients and offer effective non-surgical treatment. If your condition calls for more aggressive therapy, we can also refer you to a trusted, local periodontist.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. A common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, which over time, can cause an accumulation of plaque. However, you may also be susceptible to gum disease due to genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, and even pregnancy. There are several warning signs of gum disease such as:
- Red, swollen gum tissue
- Bleeding gums during flossing or brushing
- Tenderness
- Recession from teeth
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
You should always be on the lookout for these indicators when you are flossing and brushing your teeth. We may also be able to detect the beginning stages of gum disease during your six-month dental cleaning and exam. If we believe you may be suffering from the effects of this condition, we will help you develop a treatment plan to prevent or minimize the effect on your health.
How Can Gum Disease Affect My Health?
When gum disease progresses, it can cause tissue to pull away from the teeth. The bacteria can then affect the bone which can lead to loose, weak teeth that are susceptible to falling out.
The development of gum disease should not be taken lightly as it can also have serious consequences on your overall health. In severe cases, oral bacteria can even enter the bloodstream if left untreated. Untreated gum disease has been tied to conditions such as heart attack, dementia, premature birth, and other major health problems. However, with proper care, we can stop gum disease from escalating.
Gum Disease Can Increase Risk for Serious Health Conditions:
How Does Periodontal Therapy Address Gum Disease?
Plaque develops naturally and tends to be thickest along the gum line, which can then irritate and infect the gums. Regular cleanings can generally help prevent gum disease. Scaling and root planing is a special deep-cleaning technique that removes tartar and plaque from under the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to prevent reinfection. When periodontal therapy and improved dental hygiene habits are implemented at the first signs of gingivitis, it can usually be reversed.
We have helped many patients combat the effects of gum disease and prevent a further decline in their oral health.
If your dentist determines that you require surgical treatment to address advanced gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, he can provide you with information on the options available to you. There are several effective treatments that can help reduce the effects of your condition including pocket depth reduction procedures, regeneration, and soft tissue grafts.
Effective Treatment, Personalized Care
We have helped many patients combat the effects of gum disease and prevent a further decline in their oral health. We strive to provide the best dental services to every patient through professional care that is tailored to your needs. Contact us online to learn more about our periodontal care.
