Periodontal Therapy
Three in four people suffer from gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that, when left untreated, can lead to infection and tooth loss. The good news is, with advanced technology and cleaning techniques, gum disease can be easily treatable!
What Is Gum Disease?
When plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth they provide places for bacteria to live. If this buildup is left untreated, it can eventually move between the gums and teeth – causing pockets of bacteria that irritate the gums and cause the teeth to break down and loosen.
Minor gum disease is called gingivitis, while severe gum disease is called periodontitis. Gingivitis is usually treated without surgery. Depending on the severity, periodontitis may take longer to treat.
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. Full-blown periodontitis can also lead to jawbone deterioration. Thankfully, if it is caught early, gum disease can be easily treated with scaling, root planing, and laser therapy!
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Those who use tobacco and consume alcohol, who have a family history of gum disease, are using steroids or cancer therapy medications, are pregnant, or who suffer from a systemic disease may be at higher risk for gum disease.
Symptoms include:
- Loose teeth or tooth loss
- Gum tenderness and swelling
- Receding gums
- Gums that easily bleed
- Oral sores that do not go away
- Change in bite, and
- Chronic bad breath.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
Scaling is the process of removing tartar from the teeth. Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar during your routine cleaning using this technique. Root planing, on the other hand, involves smoothing the surface of the roots to eliminate any infected structure.
At Lifetime Dental Health, our dentists also take advantage of advanced technology to treat gum disease. By using the Opus 5 laser, Dr. Barry or Dr. Love will be able to remove build-up and inflamed tissue painlessly so your gums can begin healing again.
How Long Does Periodontal Therapy Take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the case. Your dentist may choose to complete the treatment over two visits or may divide your mouth into quadrants. Our dedicated team will be able to provide a time estimate upon examination.
If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, call our Columbus dental office at 614-451-2234.
Periodontal therapy can help prevent future disease, protect against tooth loss, reduce bad breath, and lead to an overall healthier mouth and body.