Healthy gums are the foundation for a healthy mouth. Our dental care team spends a considerable amount of time with patients educating them on the importance of periodontal health and how it impacts the overall health of the body. Periodontal disease treatment is a restorative dentistry service that can address the signs and symptoms of gum disease and help preserve tooth structure.
Gum disease is one of the most common diseases among Americans, affecting as many as 3 out of every 4 adults. Not only is it bad for your oral health, sometimes even leading to tooth loss, but it is also bad for your overall health.
Numerous studies have established a link between gum disease and chronic diseases like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. In addition, gum disease increases risks for pregnant women, such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Dr. Conover offers a strong periodontal health program that includes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. As a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Conover can also address cosmetic gum concerns such as a gummy smile which causes teeth to look short or asymmetrical in appearance.
Causes & Symptoms of Gum Disease
One of the leading causes of gum disease is plaque build-up, a sticky substance constantly forming in the mouth. Plaque around the gum line and between teeth can be difficult to remove.
Over time, plaque hardens and turns into tartar which can irritate the gums and lead to an infection resulting in damage to the gum tissue and the underlying bone. The only to remove the plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places is with regular dental cleanings at our Philadelphia dentist office.
There are many contributing factors to gum disease. Patients with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy are more vulnerable to gum disease. Other contributing factors may include teeth grinding, tobacco use, and poor nutrition.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or cuts in the gum
- Bad breath
How To Prevent Gum Disease
As with most chronic conditions, prevention is the best defense against gum disease. Your visits with us will include a periodontal screening to check for signs of gum disease. In addition to professional care, you should have a healthy, strict at-home health care routine that includes brushing and flossing after meals, a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Gum Disease Treatment
Depending on your gum disease symptoms, Dr. Conover may offer several treatment options. Patients with early signs of gum disease like gingivitis will benefit from professional cleaning and oral hygiene instruction. Patients with more serious gum disease may benefit from an intensive tooth cleaning known as scaling and root planning.
During this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from the deep pockets of the gum, usually with dental anesthetic, to make the procedure more comfortable.
Patients who have advanced gum disease or periodontitis may require surgery and more advanced treatment such as bone grafting, gum grafting, or other procedures. In all cases, the earlier the problem is diagnosed and treated, the more predictable and successful the result will be.
Frequent Questions
What can you not do after a periodontal treatment?
After periodontal treatment, we recommend that you avoid eating and chewing until any sedation or anesthetic wears off. Patients should also avoid hot beverages for at least 24 hours.
What is the first stage of periodontal therapy?
Professional dental cleaning is the first step in any periodontal therapy. During the cleaning, your dentist will remove the first layer of plaque. Then, she will prepare the teeth for the rest of the process.
How painful is periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment is not painful. Patients may experience minor discomfort, but there should be no pain. We may use a local anesthetic to ensure that patients are pain-free and comfortable throughout the entire treatment.
Schedule a visit with Philadelphia PA dentist, Dr. Conover by calling (215) 395-6076, or request an appointment online.