Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy
Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy in Farmington Hills, MI – Protect Your Gums and Oral Health
At Smile at Life Dentistry, we prioritize your gum health through our comprehensive Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common but serious condition that can affect the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. Our goal is to provide effective therapy to manage gum disease, prevent progression, and restore your oral health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It begins with gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, where the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to damage of the gums, bone, and even tooth loss.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Tenderness or discomfort in the gums
Gum disease is typically caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar around the gumline. This buildup irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and infection. Without treatment, gum disease can cause significant damage to your oral health, which is why early intervention is essential.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy at Smile at Life Dentistry
Our Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy is a deep cleaning treatment that goes beyond a routine dental cleaning to address gum disease at its source. If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, we offer a range of treatments to help stop the progression of gum disease and restore the health of your gums.
What Does Periodontal Therapy Involve?
Periodontal therapy is customized based on the severity of your gum disease. Typically, our treatment includes the following steps:
- Comprehensive Examination: We will start with a thorough examination of your gums, teeth, and bone structure, using tools such as digital X-rays to assess the extent of the gum disease.
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Scaling and Root Planing: Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling
and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that removes plaque and
tartar from below the gumline. This procedure involves:
- Scaling: Removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and from below the gumline.
- Root Planing: Smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth and reduce the risk of further bacterial buildup.
- Gum Pocket Reduction: If you have advanced gum disease with deep pockets around the teeth, we may need to clean and reduce these pockets to help prevent bacteria from accumulating and causing further damage.
- Antibacterial Therapy: In some cases, we may apply antibiotic treatments directly to the gums to help eliminate bacteria and promote healing.
- Ongoing Maintenance: After treatment, we’ll schedule regular periodontal maintenance cleanings to ensure your gum health stays on track and prevent the disease from returning.
Benefits of Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy offers several key benefits:
- Prevents Tooth Loss: By treating gum disease early, we can help prevent bone and tooth loss, protecting your natural smile.
- Improves Gum Health: Therapy helps reduce gum inflammation, bleeding, and discomfort, promoting healthier gums.
- Freshens Breath: Gum disease often causes bad breath due to the buildup of bacteria. Therapy eliminates the source of bad breath, leaving you with a fresher, healthier mouth.
- Reduces Health Risks: Gum disease has been linked to other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. By treating gum disease, you can reduce the risk of developing these related health problems.
Who Needs Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy?
You may need gum disease therapy if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain or tenderness in the gums
- Loose teeth
If left untreated, gum disease can progress and cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with us to assess your gum health and determine the best course of treatment.
Preventing Gum Disease
While periodontal therapy is effective in treating gum disease, prevention is always the best approach. Here are some tips to prevent gum disease from developing or progressing:
- Brush and floss daily: Proper oral hygiene is essential in preventing plaque buildup.
- Schedule regular dental checkups: Routine visits allow us to catch any signs of gum disease early and provide timely treatment.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash: This helps reduce plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet low in sugar can help keep your gums healthy.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing gum disease.
By following these simple steps, you can protect your gums and overall oral health.
FAQs About
Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy
No, periodontal therapy is generally not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area during scaling and root planing. After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, but it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your gum disease. Some patients may require multiple visits for scaling and root planing, followed by ongoing maintenance appointments every 3 to 4 months.
While gum disease cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment and ongoing care. With periodontal therapy and good oral hygiene, you can control the disease and prevent further damage.
Common signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and receding gums. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with your dentist.
Yes, gum disease is quite common, especially among adults. According to the CDC, nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease.
Schedule Your Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or want to protect your gum
health, contact Smile at Life Dentistry today. Our Periodontal (Gum)
Disease Therapy is designed to stop the progression of gum disease and
restore your oral health. Early detection and treatment are key to
preventing long-term damage.
Call us at 248-553-3553 or text us to
schedule your consultation. Let us help you protect your smile with
effective gum disease therapy!
