Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal Therapy

Renew your oral health

Periodontal disease or gum disease is inflammation of the gum tissues that hold your teeth in place. In the most severe cases, it can spread from the gums to the bone that supports the teeth, and may even cause tooth loss. With appropriate and timely periodontal therapy here at Georgia Family Dental & Facial Aesthetics, you can manage and even reverse periodontitis.

What Causes Periodontitis?

The most common culprit is bacterial buildup. Dental plaque accumulates naturally between the teeth and gums. Over time, it can solidify into calculus or tartar, an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Periodontitis vs. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, or both. The condition is reversible but can deteriorate into gum disease if untreated.

Signs of Gum Disease

Common symptoms include:

  • Painful, swollen gums
  • Red or bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gum line
  • Exposed root surface
  • Loose teeth

Possible Complications of Periodontitis

The inflammation can spread from the gums to the bone, potentially causing tooth loss. Bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and put you at risk of:

  • Stroke
  • Ulcers
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Respiratory disease
  • Cardiovascular disease

Periodontal Therapy

To restore the health of the tissues that support the teeth (gums and bone) and stop tooth loss, periodontal therapy uses both surgical and non-surgical techniques including:

Non-Surgical

  • Deep cleaning: Your dentist uses mechanical scalers, ultrasound, or a laser to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar above and below your gum line.
  • Tray delivery: Your dentist administers medications directly to your gums using custom trays.

Surgical

  • Flap surgery: Your dentist lifts your gums to remove tartar.
  • Gum and bone grafts: Your dentist replaces lost tissue to reduce the pockets where bacteria live.
  • Laser treatment: Your dentist removes damaged gum tissue with a laser.
  • Periodontal plastic surgery: Your dentist reshapes compromised gum tissue to improve its appearance.

Periodontal Care and Prevention Tips

To protect your oral health and stave off gum disease and periodontal therapy, brush and floss thoroughly twice daily, minimize sugar consumption, avoid all forms of tobacco, and get regular professional cleanings and dental exams.

 

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