Can Periodontitis Be Treated Successfully?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. The progressive condition can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. At Highlight Family Dentistry, we offer periodontal care to maintain gum disease and prevent it from progressing. You can always count on our team for exceptional care and service.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that develops due to plaque and tartar accumulating on the teeth and at the gumline. This buildup triggers an inflammatory response in the gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth and form pockets.

As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen, allowing bacteria to get below the gum line. That often results in damage and deterioration of the tissues and bones holding the teeth in place, ultimately leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth loss.

Aside from plaque and tartar buildup, risk factors for periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, genetics, crooked teeth, the natural aging process, certain medications, and medical conditions. Your trusted team Highlight Family Dentistry will work with you to manage your gum disease and prevent its devastating effects on your oral and overall health.

Can Periodontal Disease be Treated?

The sooner periodontal disease is addressed, the better the outcomes. If we see signs of gum inflammation or infection during your routine dental visits, we may recommend a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. The non-surgical procedure has been shown to reverse the early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis.

If gum disease advances to periodontitis, it cannot be completely cured. However, scaling and root planing combined with periodontal maintenance plans and excellent oral hygiene practices can prevent the condition from progressing.

What Does Scaling and Root Planing Involve?

Scaling is similar to what you can expect during routine professional cleanings. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar deposits from your tooth surfaces and below your gum line using an instrument called a scaler. Root planing, on the other hand, involves cleaning and smoothing out the tooth root surfaces to prevent further bacteria and tartar buildup and promote gum tissue healing. If you have advanced periodontitis, we may recommend additional treatments, including medication or even surgical intervention by a specialist.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Studies show that it typically takes about three months for harmful bacteria to return to the periodontal pockets and flourish. That’s why we recommend dental appointments every three months for periodontal maintenance.

During your visits, we will thoroughly clean your teeth, evaluate your gum health, assess gum recession, and measure the depth of your periodontal pockets. Our goal is to keep your gums as healthy as possible and maintain your natural teeth.

How Can You Lower the Risk of Periodontal Disease?

It’s important to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Make sure you schedule your routine dental exams and cleanings every six months to keep your gums healthy and sound. If you have had a deep cleaning procedure, make sure to follow up with your recommended 3-4 months periodontal maintenance appointments.

Periodontal Care Near Me

Contact Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto, TX, to learn more about maintaining a healthy smile. We encourage you to visit our office for your regular exams and cleanings to allow us to treat any signs of gum disease as they develop, preventing any long-term damage to your oral health. We look forward to caring for all your dental needs. Call us at (512) 886-2644 to schedule your appointment, or book one online today!