Gum disease begins with gingivitis—an infection caused bacteria found in plaque. If it is left untreated, the disease can progress to exhibit a number of painful symptoms, including receding gums, tooth loss, and more. Our in-house periodontist provides a number of treatments which vary depending on the condition of your gums. With these treatments, we can skillfully and thoroughly treat your periodontal issues:

• Biopsy – A method used to diagnose oral cancer involving the examination of a tissue sample.
• Bone Grafting – The building up of the jaw bone, used to support restorative devices such as dental implants and other periodontal procedures.
• Canine Exposure – A procedure to uncover impacted teeth (usually wisdom or canine teeth) that has become stuck in the surrounding gum tissue or bone.
• Crown Lengthening – A procedure to reshape gum tissue and bone shape to expose more of the enamel of the teeth for restorative and/or cosmetic purposes.
• Arestin – An antibiotic ointment used to treat infected gum pockets after scaling and root planing procedures.
• Frenectomy – A minor procedure to remedy a frenulum (or connective tissue between the gums and lip) that is too short or thick.
• Gum Grafting – A procedure to supplement the gums using tissue from the palate or a donor.
• Occlusal Adjustment – Corrects a bite misalignment as a result of crowding, shifting, or missing teeth.
• Periodontal Splinting – Joining teeth together to strengthen them when the surrounding gum tissue becomes loose.
• Osseous Grafting – A surgery which removes defects from the bone tissue around the teeth, serving as a treatment for periodontitis.
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery – Used to improve the appearance of your gums by removing excess tissue.
• Scaling and Root Planing – A non-surgical periodontal therapy in which plaque and tartar is removed from below the gum line and deep in the dental pocket.
• Osseous Surgery – A treatment to remedy enlarged gum pockets and remove decayed gum tissue as a result of periodontal disease.

While gum disease is asymptomatic in its earliest stages, there are a number of risk factors for periodontitis to be aware of in order to catch this illness before it can really take hold. If you suffer from chronic stress, bruxism, diabetes, or have a genetic predisposition to the disease, you may be at higher risk. Also, smoking, certain medications, and poor nutrition can increase the likelihood of getting gum disease. If you meet any of these criteria, be certain to schedule your routine check-up right away to take the necessary preventative measures.

While a professional cleaning only takes 30 minutes to an hour, the benefits of this preventative treatment are long-lasting. If you’re looking for a little extra incentive to schedule your biannual cleaning, consider the following reasons to book today:

1. Improve your overall health. Your oral health and your overall well-being are intrinsically linked. For example, gum disease can lead to severe issues like heart disease, respiratory illness, and premature birth. Halitosis (or bad breath) can be symptomatic of stomach issues. By scheduling your regular cleaning, you can prevent and diagnose health issues before they begin.
2. Prevent disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque and bacteria hidden on your teeth. By scheduling regular cleanings, you can prevent plaque from building up and causing gingivitis, an infection of the gums that leads to gum disease.
3. Eliminate tartar buildup. When plaque has been left on your teeth for too long, it turns to a dark-tinted deposit on your teeth known as tartar. Unfortunately, tartar cannot be brushed away with a toothbrush, but must be removed by a professional during your cleaning.
4. Fight tooth decay. Over time, the harmful acids released by plaque can lead to tooth decay. If left untreated, this decay can become both painful and costly, even requiring root canal procedures and crowns in severe cases. Professional cleanings will allow you to eliminate this plaque before it can become problematic.
5. Save money. Regular cleanings allow you to prevent having to receive costly restorative procedures like gum disease treatments, root canals, and more. A pain-free preventative cleaning can save you a lot of money in the long-run!
6. Enhance your smile. A healthy smile is a beautiful smile. Professional cleaning treatments will remove harmful tartar and unpleasant stains to give you a smile you can be proud of!