Looking for top periodontal therapy in Keller, TX? Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is most often characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular visits to our dental office in Keller, TX can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
What is Periodontal Disease?
The term “periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease) is a common inflammatory condition that affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth, eventually affecting the jawbone itself in the disease’s most advanced stages.
Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis, a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. A bacterial infection affects the gums when the toxins contained in plaque begin to irritate and inflame the gum tissues. Once the bacterial infection colonizes in the gum pockets between the teeth, it becomes much more difficult to remove and treat. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that eventually leads to the destruction of the connective tissue and jawbone. When left untreated, it can cause shifting teeth, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world and should always be promptly treated!
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
The top symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding gums - Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone)
- Change in spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen
- Tenderness or discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth
What Causes Gum Disease?
There are genetic and environmental factors involved in the onset of gum disease, and in many cases, the risk of developing periodontitis can be significantly lowered by taking preventative measures.
The most common causes of gum disease include:
- Poor dental hygiene – Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet
- Tobacco use
- Genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy and menopause – During pregnancy, regular brushing and flossing is critical. Hormonal changes experienced by the body can cause the gum tissue to become more sensitive, rendering them more susceptible to gum disease
- Chronic stress and poor diet
- Diabetes and underlying medical issues
- Grinding teeth
- Medication – Drugs including oral contraceptive pills, heart medicines, anti-depressants, and steroids affect the overall condition of teeth and gums, making them more susceptible to gum disease
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
At Gina Biedermann, DDS, there are a variety of surgical and nonsurgical treatments our team can perform to treat periodontal disease, depending upon the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone. When you visit our office for gum disease treatment, a complete periodontal exam of the mouth will be performed before any treatment is performed or recommended.
Top treatments for gum disease at Gina Biedermann, DDS include:
Scaling and Root Planing
In order to preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar) which initially caused the infection, must be removed through a deep periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing. The gum pockets will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics as necessary to help alleviate the infection. A prescription mouthwash may be recommended by our dentist to incorporate into daily cleaning routines.
Gum Tissue Regeneration
When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures. A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to assist in the regeneration process.
Pocket Elimination Surgery
Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment which can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Surgery on the jawbone is another option which serves to eliminate indentations in the bone which foster the colonization of bacteria.
Dental Implants
When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone. Tissue regeneration procedures may be required prior to the placement of a dental implant in order to strengthen the bone.
Periodontal Maintenance
It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed with Dr. Biedermann, she and her dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular periodontal maintenance cleanings, usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.
In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your periodontal appointment with our Keller dental team will usually include:
- Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions
- Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
- Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay
- Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer
- Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling
Our dentist will recommend the best ways to maintain your results from home. After all, proper oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!
Schedule Your Periodontal Exam for Healthier Smiles
Do you suspect you may need treatment for the symptoms of periodontal disease? Contact our office today if you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment, dental implants, or any of the other services offered by Gina Biedermann, DDS!
