GENERAL DENTISTRY
Periodontal Therapy
Dallas, TX
About Periodontal Care
Many patients have heard of gingivitis or gum inflammation, but not as many know about periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that must be treated by a dental professional using advanced periodontal treatment. Gum disease can be prevented by good hygiene, but there are times when periodontal treatment is necessary to address the condition.
What Causes Periodontitis (or Gum Disease)?
One of the major reasons patients fall prey to periodontal disease is plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque can build up on and around your teeth, where it can cause an infection. Gingivitis is the start of periodontal disease, which can eventually lead to gum disease.
Symptoms and Risk of Periodontal Disease
Who is at Risk For Periodontal Disease?
Women may be at risk of developing the disease, especially during pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, and other instances when hormones undergo a dramatic change.
Certain illnesses can also increase the risk of periodontal disease, such as conditions that affect the immune system.
Medications can also cause changes in the mouth that make it easier to contract gingivitis and periodontal disease.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontitis?
There are some ways to tell if your oral health is being properly maintained. If you neglect your teeth or have a condition that increases the risk of periodontal disease, you might notice any of these symptoms in your teeth.
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Swelling in the gums
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Persistent bad breath
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Teeth that shift in the mouth
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Pockets forming between the teeth & gums
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Bleeding while brushing & flossing
If you notice any problems with your teeth, visiting an oral care professional can help address these issues before they get worse.
Treatment for Periodontitis
Periodontal disease can be prevented by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. However, this is only effective in the early stages of gum disease. Once it has gotten more severe, your Lake Highlands dentist, Dr. Bishop, will need to use other methods to treat the problem.
Dr. Bishop will perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. If this does not resolve the issue, he may recommend a more invasive procedure to properly clean your teeth called scaling and root planing. For more information about your oral health and how to prevent or treat gum disease, visit our Dallas, Tx dental office to schedule an appointment.
take a step toward healthier teeth and gums
Keep Your Teeth and Gums Clean
If you have been diagnosed with early stages of periodontal disease, it is vital that you keep your teeth cleaned on a regular basis to allow your gums to best stay adhered to the roots of your teeth. An easy way to do this, besides your at-home routine, is to keep more frequent dental cleanings than normal. This may be quarterly rather than semi-annual. Keeping regular cleanings for those at-risk of further issues helps prevent the need for scaling and root planing.
Schedule your deep cleaning today
