Gum Disease & Periodontics

Gum Disease & Periodontics

Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth can contribute to the development of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can eventually lead to tooth loss. To prevent gum disease, it is crucial to maintain regular visits to our dental office for professional cleanings and exams.

Gum Disease Has Two Primary Stages:

1. Gingivitis: Signs of gingivitis include inflamed and bleeding gums when brushing. Gingivitis primarily affects the gums and may only require routine cleaning. Without treatment, you may end up having periodontitis.
2. Periodontitis: Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is associated with severe conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, low birth weight, and other health problems. It involves the gums and the underlying bone and necessitates a deep cleaning. Often, dentists refer to this gum condition as a silent disease.

Symptoms of periodontal disease

Early signs of periodontal disease may include: General-Dentistry-Gum-Disease-Cleanings-by-Cosmetic-Dental-of-Encino-2
  • Bleeding gums
  • Tender, swollen, or red gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums, where the gum tissue has moved away from the teeth
  • Bite change
  • Denture fit change
Our dentist in Encino can assess and determine the appropriate level of cleaning required for your specific needs.

What To Expect During Deep Cleaning Process For Periodontitis?

Our dental practice in Encino employs a deep cleaning technique called root planing and scaling. This comprehensive cleaning involves using either an ultrasonic tool or a manual scraping tool to thoroughly clean the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gum line, including the roots. Additionally, we will smoothen the roots to prevent tartar buildup. A local anesthetic may be administered to numb your teeth and gums to ensure your comfort. As part of our treatment, we may also utilize ARESTIN®, an antibiotic consisting of microspheres placed directly into the gum pockets to target and eliminate bacteria causing gum disease. These microspheres gradually release antibiotics over several days and will naturally dissolve on their own.

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Oral Care And The How To Treat Gum Disease

General-Dentistry-Gum-Disease-Cleanings-by-Cosmetic-Dental-of-Encino-3 Following your root planing and scaling treatment, it is crucial to maintain proper dental care to prevent the progression of gum disease. Regular cleanings’ primary objective is preventing plaque accumulation on teeth surfaces. Plaque is a biofilm that forms around the teeth and contains harmful bacteria. While plaque is natural, it is essential to remove the buildup and disrupt the bacteria through diligent oral care practices. This includes regular brushing and flossing of your teeth, attending routine professional cleanings, and refraining from tobacco use.

If you undergo deep cleaning at our Encino dental office and diligently follow the necessary steps to restore your oral health at home but symptoms of periodontal disease persist, surgical intervention may be required. These procedures may involve pocket reduction surgery (to reduce the space between teeth and gums), bone grafts (to replace bone damaged by gum disease), and soft tissue grafts (to reinforce areas with thin gums).

For personalized guidance and assistance, please get in touch with our dental office today to learn how our Encino dentist can provide the necessary support and care.

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