Periodontics
Platte City, MO
Gum disease is a serious, progressive oral health issue that affects more than just the health of your gums. As the disease grows worse, it can begin to affect the health of your teeth, your jawbone, and even your whole-body health. When gum disease occurs, professional treatment is essential. Platte Valley Dental Care can help with periodontics.
What Is Gum Disease?Gum disease is a progressive oral health issue that affects not only the health of your gums, but your teeth, the periodontal ligaments, the jawbone, and your overall health. It begins when plaque and bacteria build up in your mouth. These substances cause gum irritation, which then causes the gums to become inflamed. The swollen tissue starts to pull away from your teeth, leading to periodontal pocket formation. Bacteria fall into the pockets and begin attacking your periodontal ligaments and jawbone. These structures weaken, which causes your teeth to become loose. The longer the gum disease goes without treatment, the more serious the condition becomes and you may even be faced with root canal therapy or tooth loss. Read more about Gum Disease
PeriodonticsPeriodontics is a dental specialty that deals specifically with your gums and other supporting structures, and the diseases and conditions that affect them. Our periodontists are highly experienced in diagnosing and providing treatment for gum disease. With proper treatment and oral hygiene, we can restore the health of your mouth as well as the appearance of your smile.
Symptoms of Gum DiseaseThe symptoms of gum disease that you experience will vary based on how advanced your condition is. Symptoms include:| • |
Red, swollen gums. Your gums may also bleed when you brush and floss. These symptoms are often the very first indication of the earliest stage of gum disease known as gingivitis.
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Gum recession. As your gums recede, your teeth begin to appear longer. You may also start to notice small spaces appearing between your teeth.
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Tooth sensitivity. This often occurs as a result of gum recession, which can lead to root exposure.
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Chronic bad breath that does not go away no matter how much you brush and floss.
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Loose teeth. As your periodontal ligaments and bone begin to weaken, your teeth become unstable.
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Tooth loss. |
How Is Gum Disease Treated?When you suspect gum disease, treatment is needed immediately. We perform a thorough oral exam that allows us to diagnose gum disease and the severity of your condition. Once we have determined the presence of gum disease, we can then provide you with the appropriate treatment. Treatments for gum disease include:| • |
Scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning of your teeth that involves eliminating buildup from all surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline. Read more about Scaling And Root Planing
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Laser dentistry. With laser dentistry, we can remove infected tissue, allowing for a more effective scaling and root planing. The laser can also be used to kill bacteria, cleaning periodontal pockets.
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Periodontal maintenance. Periodontal maintenance is performed when the desired results of gum disease treatment, typically scaling and root planing, have not been achieved. Maintenance visits allow us to help your mouth further heal.
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Pocket reduction surgery. This type of surgery is often recommended when your periodontal pockets are too deep to allow for an effective scaling and root planing.
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Soft tissue and bone grafting. Soft tissue, or gum, grafting is used to restore a healthy gumline following gum recession. A bone graft is performed to restore missing bone mass. This procedure is typically performed before the placement of dental implants when the bone is too weak to support the titanium posts. |
If you have noticed any warning signs of gum disease, it is essential that you seek treatment immediately. Call Platte Valley Dental Care today at (816)858-2027 to schedule your appointment.
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