Periodontics Near You
Periodontics is an area of dental medicine that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum and jawbone problems. Gums are the layers of pink tissue that hold your teeth in place, while the jawbone is the underlying anatomical structure that tooth roots are anchored into, keeping them stable. Periodontists are specialists who have undergone additional training in order to provide proper care for these facets of our oral and facial anatomy.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease starts with mild gum irritation called gingivitis and can lead to tooth loss if not treated. It is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease usually causes red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, but sometimes there are no obvious signs.
The condition officially arises when the bacteria that’s found in excessive amounts of plaque build up on one’s smile and infect the gums around the teeth, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Over time, this infection can make the jawbone shrink and the teeth become loose.
Why Receive Periodontal Treatment?
- The disease has progressed: This happens when the gums are bleeding, swollen, or red around most teeth, and the jawbone starts to shrink.
- Gum recession: The infection that causes gum disease often starts in one spot. Gum recession can also happen from brushing too hard or a misaligned tooth. Early treatment is needed to stop it from spreading.
- Before crowing lengthening: The periodontist may remove some gum tissue to show more of the tooth.
- Ridge augmentation: This is a procedure to fix an uneven gum line. The periodontist will first treat any infections or gum disease before starting the treatment.
For mild to moderate gum problems, your periodontist will first treat the original bacterial infection and then provide customized advice on the best ways to clean your teeth at home. In other cases, a professional deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing treatment, is needed to remove bacteria and tartar from the teeth and gums. If the gum disease is severe and the jawbone has shrunk a lot, stronger cleaning may be needed, and any loose teeth that can’t be saved may be taken out.
Since periodontal disease gets worse over time, it’s important to remove bacteria and tartar to stop the infection from spreading.
We Can Help You Preserve Your Smile
Our dentist in Airdrie at Kings Pointe Dental will be happy to advise you on effective cleaning methods and treatment options. Schedule an appointment today!
