What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease can affect more than just your teeth and gums. It can affect your overall health too! At Avalon Dental Care, we are proud to offer quality services designed to keep your mouth in tip-top shape. With us, you can trust that your smile is in capable hands. 

Periodontal Disease Overview

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and structures around the teeth. In the early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis and is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. 

If left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis. The gums begin separating from the teeth, forming pockets that house harmful bacteria. As the disease advances, further damage may occur to the underlying bone and tissues supporting the teeth, potentially resulting in tooth loss. Periodontal disease has also been linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, respiratory conditions, and more. 

Periodontal disease doesn’t typically cause pain, so it often goes unnoticed. That is why we recommend scheduling your regular dental exams and cleanings every six months. During your visit, we will uncover any oral health issues in the earliest stages while easiest to treat. 

Treating Periodontal Disease

The first line of treatment is a non-surgical deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves using a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gumline. Root planing, on the other hand, involves cleaning and smoothing out the rough areas on the surfaces of the roots to help the gums heal and reattach to your teeth. 

Scaling and root planing often reverse gingivitis, restoring your gum health. If, however, your gum disease is advanced, we may recommend further treatments, including antibiotics or periodontal surgery.

Care After Treatment

After treatment, you will likely schedule more frequent visits, which involve cleaning your teeth, examining your gums, and measuring your gum pocket depth and gum recession. Our goal is to manage your gum disease to ensure your gums and bones stay healthy and sound. 

Quality Preventative Care Near Me 

The best way to treat periodontal disease is to prevent it in the first place, and your trusted team at Avalon Dental Care is here to help. Along with proper oral hygiene practices at home, keeping up with your routine dental checkups and professional cleanings will help lower your risk of developing gum disease. We invite you to experience preventative dentistry at its best! Call us today!