Periodontal Therapy

in Lomita, CA

Periodontal or gum disease is a common concern affecting more than half of adults over 30. At Avalon Dental Care, we believe in proactive care to protect your smile. Our focus is on the prevention, treatment, and management of gum disease to prevent serious complications. If you develop periodontal disease, we are here to help. We will create a tailored treatment plan to restore your oral health and prevent further damage to your smile. We invite you to visit our Lomita practice to get your smile back on track today!

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What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic infection that causes inflammation of the gums, soft tissues, and bone that hold your teeth in place. The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, shows mild symptoms, including red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

Left untreated, periodontal disease can progress and destroy the bone and tissues supporting your teeth, leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and, eventually, tooth loss. Other oral health complications include gum recession, painful chewing, a bad mouth taste, changes in how teeth fit together, or an abscess, which looks like a pimple on the gums. The infection can also travel to other areas of the body through the bloodstream, affecting vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

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How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?

Periodontal disease typically develops due to plaque accumulation on the gum line, typically resulting from inadequate brushing and flossing. This sticky film of bacteria irritates the gum tissues and leads to inflammation, marking the onset of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. Additional risk factors include smoking, family history, diabetes, hormonal changes, and certain medications.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

The following are the treatments we offer for periodontal disease to restore your oral health:

Scaling and Root Planing: The deep dental cleaning procedure begins by removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gum line. It is then followed by smoothing the tooth root surfaces to promote healing and encourage your gums to reattach to your teeth. Scaling and root planing has been shown to reverse gingivitis, restoring your gum health. If, however, the condition has progressed to periodontitis, deep dental cleanings can help prevent additional damage to your smile.

ARESTIN: ARESTIN is an antibiotic treatment used after your scaling and root planing treatment. We will place the antibiotic powder into the gum pockets between the teeth and gums where it is gradually released over time, targeting the bacteria that cause gum disease. The extended release helps to control infection and promote healing.

Perio Protect: Perio Protect is a revolutionary, non-invasive approach for gum treatment and prevention. The innovative system involves the use of custom-fitted trays to deliver a medicated gel directly to the periodontal pockets where toothbrushes, dental floss, and mouthwash cannot reach. Perio Protect helps reduce inflammation, eliminate harmful bacteria, and promote gum healing.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

After treating your gum disease, you will require periodontal maintenance visits every 3-4 months to maintain your gum health. We will perform a dental cleaning, evaluate your gum health, and recommend treatment, if necessary, to keep your smile healthy and sound. It’s also important to maintain excellent oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, to keep your gums as healthy as possible.