Periodontal disease can lead to serious complications without treatment to manage it, including adult tooth loss. Which is why we want to help manage the issue and allow you to enjoy a full smile, one free of discomfort and the risk of poor smile stability. In today’s blog, your Brooklyn, NY, periodontist and implant expert looks at how we treat and manage gum disease.
The Causes of the Disease
What causes periodontal disease? The trouble starts when factors cause gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. Once inflammation occurs and remains untreated, this could lead to worsening inflammation and cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. The resulting pockets provide places for disease-causing bacteria to enter, leading to periodontal disease. The disease cannot be cured, but treatment can manage it to protect your smile from major complications, such as tooth loss. Common factors behind inflammation include poor brushing and flossing habits, plaque and tartar buildup, a diet high in sugar, tobacco use, a family history of the disease, or even inflammatory illnesses or the use of certain medications.
Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease
How do you know when to see a periodontist? Warning signs include soreness in the gums, as well as redness and bleeding, The tissues could swell in places, and may also recede, which makes teeth appear longer. When you develop these symptoms, contact our team right away. Otherwise, as the disease reaches the periodontitis stage, this could destroy connective tissues and damage underlying bone structure to cause tooth loss and a weakened smile.
Digital Imaging
We will start with a thorough dental examination with digital x-rays and CT scanning technology, so we can look at the surfaces of the gums for signs of inflammation and disease, and also register any damage to the connective tissues or underlying bone structure. Our team then assesses the cause and extent of the disease, so we can create a custom treatment plan to protect the smile and keep it strong.
Scaling and Root Planing
For the early stages, we can conduct a deep cleaning known as a scaling and root planing. The procedure involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove plaque and tartar buildup. For others this could take one to two visits, or as many as four, it all depends on the severity of your buildup. The tartar and plaque will be removed from the surfaces of the teeth, as well as the exposed portions of the roots or from beneath the gum line. We then polish the teeth to limit plaque and tartar buildup before your next cleaning appointment. We may recommend a traditional cleaning every three to four months to control buildup and manage your periodontal disease.
Dental Laser Treatment
If you have a more advanced stage of the disease, then we could help with the use of dental lasers. Essentially, we will use the technology to gently trim away the diseased portions of the gums. We can do so comfortably and with precision, often requiring little to no anesthesia. The treated area will heal quickly since we don’t need scalpels or sutures, and you can return to your normal routine after 24 to 48 hours of rest. There is also a decreased risk of bleeding, infection, and swelling too.
Platelet Rich Plasma
As we touched on above, the presence of gum disease can damage connective tissues and even the jawbone itself. To help you heal faster following treatment and strengthen these areas, we could offer an advanced solution known as Platelet Rich Plasma, a special autoplasm that we inject into your smile to facilitate faster and more effective healing for your smile.
Managing the Disease
Finally, our team will talk about how to better manage the issue from home as well. This could include better brushing and flossing habits, a healthier diet, avoiding tobacco products, and making time to see our team for routine visits every few months. If you have suffered from tooth loss due to periodontitis, we could discuss replacement with dental implants. If you have any questions about our approach to periodontitis, or if you have symptoms that need attention, then contact our team today to learn more.
Managing Your Periodontal Disease with Your Brooklyn, NY, Periodontist
Our team wants to help you enjoy a smile free of gum disease, so you can smile with confidence and avoid issues like tooth loss down the road. We can even address missing teeth with lifelike dental implants! To schedule an appointment and keep your smile full and strong, contact your Brooklyn, NY, periodontist by calling (718) 444-3800.
