Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque—a sticky, colorless film of bacteria—on your teeth. When plaque is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
Diagnosis and Treatment
At Connolly Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to diagnosing and treating periodontal disease to prevent further damage to your oral health. During your dental examination, our team will:
- Check for gum inflammation
- Measure pocket depths around each tooth
- Take dental X-rays to check for bone loss
Treatment options vary based on the severity of the disease:
- Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Professional Dental Cleaning: Removing plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Deep cleaning procedures to remove bacteria from roots and smooth rough spots to prevent further bacteria buildup.
- Surgical Treatments:
- Flap Surgery/Pocket Reduction Surgery: Lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets.
- Bone Grafts: Using natural or synthetic bone to replace bone destroyed by periodontitis.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: Reinforcing thin gums or filling in places where gums have receded.
Prevention
Preventing periodontal disease involves good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Here are some tips to maintain healthy gums:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under your gumline.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
- Avoid smoking, as it increases your risk of gum disease.
- Maintain a balanced diet to support your immune system.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease or have concerns about your gum health, schedule an appointment with Connolly Family Dentistry today. Our team is here to provide comprehensive care and help you maintain a healthy smile.
Our Commitment To Quality, Affordable Care
At Connolly Family Dentistry, we believe that access to quality dental care and treatment should not be prevented due to a lack of affordability. As fellow members of the Sewell community, we are committed to making sure that all patients that come through our office are entitled to treatment options that are as affordable as possible.
We will work to maximize your out-of-network dental benefits, though we are currently not in network with any major insurance plans. That said, many times out-of-network benefits provide benefits that are comparable, if not more beneficial than in-network coverage. Please don’t hesitate to contact our staff to learn more about your coverage and options!
Proper oral hygiene and treatment are essential components of you and your family’s overall health, and it has been widely shown that failure to maintain proper oral health can lead to more serious health conditions and related complications. As part of our commitment to serving our community, we also offer several financing options to meet the needs of every patient.
If you would like to go over the full list of options we offer, explore our Finance Options Here or ask about our pay in full savings!
We look forward to serving you and your family!
