Gum health is essential to maintaining a strong, healthy smile. At Ravenwood Dental, we help our patients prevent and treat periodontal disease. This is a common and often silent condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues. Dr. Phil Mangiaracina and our team offer comprehensive periodontal care, including prevention, treatment, and ongoing maintenance, to protect your oral health and keep your smile healthy for years to come.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. It starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth and along the gumline. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation and infection. Periodontal disease progresses in stages:
- Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings, but if left untreated, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis advances, it can turn into periodontitis, where the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria. Over time, this infection can damage the bone and tissues that support the teeth, leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss.
Early detection and treatment are key to managing periodontal disease and preventing it from worsening. If you notice signs like swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or a change in your bite, it’s essential to seek care promptly.
Our Periodontal Disease Treatments
At Ravenwood Dental, we offer a range of treatments designed to address each stage of periodontal disease. Dr. Mangiaracina will conduct a thorough evaluation of your gums and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve optimal gum health.
Professional Cleanings
For patients with gingivitis or mild gum inflammation, regular professional cleanings can often remove plaque and tartar buildup, allowing the gums to heal. We’ll work with you to create a preventive care plan that includes regular cleanings, exams, and at-home hygiene habits to keep gingivitis at bay.
Scaling and Root Planing
Also known as a “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment that helps patients with periodontitis. During scaling, we remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, reaching areas that regular cleanings can’t address. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to cling and helping the gums reattach to the teeth.
Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, we may recommend antibiotic therapy to control bacterial infection in the gum pockets. Antibiotics can be applied directly to the gums or prescribed as a mouth rinse or oral medication. This therapy helps reduce bacteria in hard-to-reach areas, complementing other treatments.
Laser Therapy
For patients with more advanced periodontal disease, laser therapy can offer a minimally invasive option for removing diseased tissue and bacteria. Laser treatment targets infection precisely, helping to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and encourage tissue regeneration with minimal discomfort.
Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care to manage effectively. After initial treatment, we’ll schedule regular periodontal maintenance appointments to monitor your gum health, remove plaque and tartar, and catch any signs of recurrence early. These visits are typically more frequent than standard cleanings and play an essential role in preventing the disease from progressing.
The Importance of Treating Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your gums; it has serious implications for your overall health. Research has linked gum disease to various health conditions. This includes heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and even certain types of cancer. Treating gum disease early protects your oral health and reduces your risk of related health issues.
Untreated periodontal disease can lead to:
- Bone Loss: The bacteria in periodontal disease can damage the bone that supports your teeth. This may cause the teeth to become loose and potentially lead to tooth loss.
- Systemic Inflammation: Gum disease can cause chronic inflammation that may spread to other parts of the body, contributing to broader health issues.
- Aesthetic Changes: As periodontal disease progresses, gum recession and bone loss can cause changes in the appearance of your smile, affecting both your confidence and your facial structure.