Periodontal Therapy and Why It’s Important

Maintaining proper oral hygiene will keep your teeth stronger and healthier for a lifetime. But oral hygiene doesn’t only entail brushing your teeth. It also means taking good care of your gums, tongue, and mouth.

Regular visits to your dentist every six months for professional cleaning can promote good oral health. Besides, the dentist might be able to identify any unnoticeable problems before they progress to severe cases.

On the other hand, poor oral hygiene can lead to various dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. If gum disease is detected, periodontal therapy may be recommended.

Therefore, immediately talk to a dentist near you if you suspect that you may have gum disease. Rock River Dental offers immediate treatment for periodontitis in Fort Atkinson, WI.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a progressive case of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, and it’s usually caused by the build-up of dental plaque. It usually develops when food particles and debris are trapped between the teeth.

When left untreated, gingivitis leads to periodontitis, which affects the bones around the affected gums and can cause the teeth to loosen and fall out. If you’re diagnosed with periodontitis, your dentist may recommend periodontal therapy.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Even in advanced stages, this condition can be painless, making it hard for a patient to notice. Visiting your dentist whitewater regularly can also help in identifying any minor complications before they present any symptoms. Still, there are a few symptoms that you can keep an eye on, including:

• Red and swollen gums
• Tender and bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Pain when chewing
• Blood when brushing or flossing
• Pus in the teeth and gums
• Loss of teeth
• Loose or shifted teeth
• Gums pulling away from the teeth
• Formation of pockets between the gums and teeth

If you notice any of those symptoms, visit a periodontal clinic near you immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. The sooner the condition is treated, the lesser the chances of developing into a severe problem. Besides, early treatment can reverse the effects of periodontitis.

Causes of Periodontitis

The good thing about periodontitis is that it’s preventable by practicing hygienic oral health. Common causes of periodontal disease include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Medications
• Family history
• Chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes
• Genetic susceptibility

What is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is a form of treatment for periodontitis. This treatment focuses on restoring the health of your teeth and gums while preventing tooth damage or loss.

While periodontal therapy is available in many forms, it focuses on cleaning and removing plaque and tartar from the gum. It can be done through deep cleansing, while severe cases may involve surgery, especially if the gum and bone tissue are damaged.

Periodontal Therapy Procedures Include:

• Gum Grafting – It involves taking healthy gum tissues from a healthy part of the mouth and moving it to the affected area. After restoring the lost gum tissue, the tooth will be stronger and protected.

• Scaling and Root Planing – It’s a deep-cleaning technique that uses ultrasonic instruments or hand scalers to remove plaque and calculus build-up from beneath the gum tissues.

• Periodontal Plastic Surgery – It’s a resharpening procedure that aims at developing a more pleasant look of the gum tissues.

• Dental implants – It’s a tooth replacement method where an artificial tooth is placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line through minor surgery.

• Periodontal Laser Treatment – It uses lasers to remove the diseased gum tissue.

• Crown Lengthening Surgery – If you notice any persistent side effects such as bleeding, pain, and swelling after the procedure, immediately see your dentist.

Control Measures for Periodontitis

Since periodontitis is majorly caused by avoidable factors, you can use the following tips to prevent it from developing:

• Practice health oral hygiene
• Schedule regular visit to your dentists
• Avoid sugary foods
• Avoid smoking tobacco
• Avoid eating sticky foods

Final Verdict

If you have gum disease or periodontitis, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. This will prevent further damage and can help to reverse any complications caused by the condition. If you’re looking for a qualified dentist in Fort Atkinson, WI, visit Rock River Dental.