What is periodontal dentistry?
Periodontal dentistry is a branch of oral health care that diagnoses, treats, and prevents gum disease. Gum disease is incredibly common but doesn’t always present obvious symptoms. When left untreated, it often results in gum recession, bone loss, and bad breath.
Periodontal dentistry catches gum disease in its early stages. By taking prompt action, it’s possible to prevent further damage and preserve your smile for years to come.
What are the types of gum disease?
There are several types of gum disease, but the team at Desert Dentist focuses on two:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis occurs when plaque –– a thin film of food particles, bacteria, and saliva –– collects beneath your gum line. Over time, plaque causes your gums to become red, swollen, and inflamed. You might have gingivitis if your gums bleed when you brush or floss.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque builds up around the base of your teeth, causing your gums to recede and form pockets. Harmful bacteria collects in these pockets resulting in loose teeth and damage to the surrounding bone.
What services are included in periodontal dentistry?
The team at Desert Dentist offers a variety of periodontal dentistry services, including:
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is an outpatient procedure that eliminates plaque and tartar from beneath your gum line. During scaling and root planing, the team uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar. Afterward, they smooth out the roots of your teeth, allowing your gums to reattach.
Laser dentistry
Laser dentistry uses targeted light energy to access and remove inflamed gum tissue from around the root of a tooth. In addition to cutting through damaged tissue, the laser eliminates harmful pockets of bacteria. Laser dentistry requires no anesthesia and allows for a quick, pain-free recovery.
Antibiotics
If you have a severe case of gum disease, the team might recommend antibiotic treatment with Arrestin® or Atridox®. These medications prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring your gums are able to heal and remain healthy.
What type of periodontal dentistry will I benefit from?
To determine the type of periodontal dentistry that you’ll most benefit from, the team at Desert Dentist conducts an oral exam, reviews your dental health history, and asks about your symptoms. They then take a series of oral X-rays to determine the extent of the infection.
After gathering the necessary information, the team develops a custom treatment plan that aligns with your budget and needs.
To learn more about periodontal dentistry, request a consultation at Desert Dentist. Book an appointment with the online scheduling tool or call the nearest office today.
