Periodontal Care

Your smile is a reflection of your overall health, and maintaining healthy gums is crucial for preserving your smile's beauty and functionality. Periodontal care in Santa Rosa, CA, is the cornerstone of oral health, as gum disease can lead to serious complications such as tooth loss and even systemic health issues. 

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It starts with plaque buildup on the teeth, leading to bacterial growth and eventual irritation of the gums. As the bacteria multiply, they can cause gingivitis, the initial stage of periodontal disease characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease where pockets form between the teeth and gums. These pockets become breeding grounds for bacteria and toxins that further damage the tissues supporting the teeth. Over time, this can result in bone loss and potential tooth loss if not addressed promptly.

Common Signs and Symptoms

1. Gum Inflammation: Swollen, red, or tender gums are common early signs of gum disease. Healthy gums should appear pink and firm, not swollen or puffy.
2. Bleeding Gums: Bleeding during brushing, flossing, or eating is not normal and may indicate gum disease. If you notice blood when cleaning your teeth, it's important to see a dentist promptly.
3. Receding Gums: Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing the roots. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of decay.
4. Persistent Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a sign of underlying gum disease caused by bacteria accumulating in the mouth.
5. Loose or Shifting Teeth: As gum disease progresses, it can cause the supporting bone structure to deteriorate, leading to loose or shifting teeth.

If you have any of these signs and symptoms, contact us now!

Preventive Measures

1. Regular Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
2. Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help support gum health and overall oral health.
3. Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit our dentist in Chesterfield, MO, for regular check-ups and professional cleanings every six months or as recommended. The dentist can detect signs of gum disease early and provide timely treatment.
4. Smoking Cessation: Smoking and tobacco use are significant risk factors for gum disease. Quitting smoking can improve your oral health and reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
5. Stress Management: Stress can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to gum disease. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises may help support gum health.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): This is the primary treatment for periodontal disease. It involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling) and smoothing the root surfaces to promote gum reattachment and healing (root planing). This procedure helps eliminate bacterial infection and inflammation, allowing the gums to heal and tighten around the teeth.

Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacterial infection and inflammation associated with gum disease. They may be administered orally, topically, or as part of a periodontal treatment regimen to enhance the effectiveness of scaling and root planing.

Surgical Treatments

Flap Surgery: In cases of advanced periodontitis where deep pockets have formed between the gums and teeth, flap surgery may be necessary. During this procedure, the gums are lifted back to allow access to the roots for thorough cleaning. Any damaged tissue or bone may also be repaired or replaced as needed.

Bone Grafting: Bone grafting is performed to regenerate bone tissue that has been lost due to severe gum disease. This procedure involves placing bone graft material into areas of bone loss to stimulate new bone growth and support the teeth.

Soft Tissue Grafting: Soft tissue grafting is used to augment or replace gum tissue that has receded due to periodontal disease. It involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth or using donor tissue to rebuild the gumline and cover exposed tooth roots.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option for periodontal disease that uses laser energy to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the gums. It also promotes gum reattachment and reduces inflammation, leading to faster healing and less discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods.

Conclusion

Taking care of your oral health is crucial in preventing periodontal disease. By understanding the causes and symptoms of this condition, you can be proactive in maintaining healthy gums. Proper dental care through regular check-ups and cleanings can help prevent periodontal disease from progressing. Additionally, various types of treatments are available to address different stages of gum disease.

Remember that prevention is key when it comes to periodontal care. Incorporating home remedies like proper brushing and flossing techniques, along with a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, can significantly contribute to overall gum health. Regular visits to our dentist in Santa Rosa, MO, will ensure that any signs of periodontal disease are detected early on and promptly treated. 

By staying informed about periodontal disease and prioritizing your dental hygiene routine, you can protect yourself from the potential risks associated with gum problems. Visit Darren Gonzalez DDS at 1515 Montgomery Drive Ste B, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, or call (707) 542-1532. Our team will be happy to assist you!