Periodontics

How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?

The primary cause of periodontal disease is the presence of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and irritates the gums, causing inflammation. The gums begin pulling away from the teeth, leaving spaces called pockets. If not treated, gum disease can destroy the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Your Health?

Periodontal disease is often detrimental to your overall health. Studies have established a connection between gum disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

How Is Periodontal Disease Managed?

Scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) has been shown to reverse gingivitis , the earliest stage of periodontal disease. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar deposits from your tooth surfaces and below your gum line. Root planning, on the other hand, is more applicable when the gingivitis has progressed to at least the first stage of periodontitis which involves the cleaning and smoothing out of the root surfaces to prevent bacteria and tartar buildup and promote gum tissue healing. If your periodontal disease is an advanced stage, you may require additional treatments, including medication, and in some cases, surgical intervention by a specialist.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Studies show that it takes about 3 months for the bacteria to return to the dental pocket. Hence, after the initial deep cleaning treatment, we will ask you to return to our office every three months for periodontal maintenance. That involves cleaning your teeth, evaluating your gum tissue health, and measuring your pockets depth and gum recession. Our goal is to maintain your gums and bone health.

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and keep gum disease at bay. Make sure to schedule your periodic dental exams and cleanings every six months to remove plaque and tartar deposits and allow us to monitor your oral health. If you have undergone periodontal / deep cleaning, then follow up with the recommended 3 – 4-month periodontal maintenance appointments.

Periodontics Near Me

Contact Highlight Family Dentistry in Hutto, TX, to learn more about the treatment and management of gum disease. Our team is committed to providing you with care that exceeds your expectations. Call us and schedule your appointment today.