Periodontal Disease Treatment
Dr. Christine Brown and the team at Vermont Hills Family Dental are committed to helping you maintain the healthiest of smiles. We offer preventive exams and cleanings to support your at-home oral hygiene efforts and help you avoid cavities and gum disease.
If you develop gum disease, our Portland dentist needs to treat it as promptly as possible to avoid the damage it can do to your oral and general health. Our skilled team of dental hygienists is committed to helping you and provide periodontal treatment to get your gum health back where it needs to be.
The Importance of Treating Gum Disease
Unfortunately, gum disease is a prevalent problem in the US that affects nearly half of adults over age 30. It is impossible to overstate the critical nature of gum health. New studies emerge daily that point to a direct link between periodontal disease and systemic conditions like diabetes, heart and lung disease, dementia, stroke, and pregnancy complications, to name just a few.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. The type of periodontal treatment that our dentist recommends for you depends on the level of gum disease we find.
How We Treat Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is indicated by swollen, inflamed gums, or bleeding when you brush and floss. Treatment for gingivitis is typically straightforward and involves a comprehensive dental cleaning with one of our experienced dental hygienists.
They will remove all traces of plaque and tartar from your teeth that your brush and floss can’t reach. Your hygienist will also note areas where you can improve your oral hygiene habits and will be happy to show you the correct way to brush and floss your teeth.
This treatment, along with improved oral hygiene habits at home and routine professional cleanings, will continue to keep your gums healthy.
Deep Cleaning Treatment for Periodontitis
If gingivitis progresses, the gums start to pull away from the teeth, and the infection begins to attack the structures that hold them in place. As the bone supporting them continues to break down, you are at serious risk for tooth loss.
Those suffering from periodontitis require a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. Scaling involves gently and carefully scraping away all plaque and tartar buildup from around your teeth and below the gum line. The next step is called planing, where your hygienist smooths the root surfaces to eliminate spots where bacteria could develop.
Periodontitis is managed rather than cured, and you may require three or more cleanings each year to keep it under control. These appointments are easy to keep up with can help prevent gum disease from further compromising your oral and general health.
Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning Today
Gum disease is an oral condition, but it affects just about every other system in your body. If you notice symptoms of gum disease like swollen or bleeding gums or loose teeth, call and schedule a dental cleaning at Vermont Hills Family Dental, so we can diagnose the problem and provide the treatment you need.
