Periodontal Care and Treatment of Gum Disease

Did you know that nearly half of all Americans suffer from some form of periodontal disease? Periodontal Gum Disease, caused by bacteria around the teeth and gums, can lead to tooth decay or even destruction of tissue and bone if left untreated. That's why it's important to have a yearly evaluation with Smile Works.

Don't wait to schedule your periodontal evaluation – call us today! Our dental team is trained in providing comprehensive periodontal care, meaning that we can offer a wide range of services to help prevent or treat gum disease. We'll work with you individually to develop a treatment plan that meets all of your needs.

The Three Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis - The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is very common but can be entirely reversed with excellent oral hygiene and professional help. Gingivitis causes redness and swelling in the gums as well as bleeding when brushed , a receding gum line, and bad breath. So long as you maintain good dental practices at home through regular brushing/flossing , require less frequent professional cleanings to prevent plaque tartar build-up.

Periodontitis - The second stage of gum disease destroys the soft tissue surrounding the teeth and deteriorates the roots as well. The gums are swollen, tender, spaces develop between teeth, and infection runs rampant. Professional cleanings along with scaling to remove tartar and bacteria from both above and below the gums help treat periodontitis. Our root planing technique at the office not only gets rid of surface tartar and bacteria on your teeth, but we use an antimicrobial wash with Arestin to kill any infection-causing bacteria. To ensure this disease does not come back, maintenance cleanings are scheduled every three to four months.

Advanced Periodontitis - At this point in the progression of gum disease, a patient has extensive loss of the healthy soft tissue and bone that support their teeth. In addition to receiving the treatments mentioned earlier, patients also go through laser assisted gum therapy. This involves using a laser to kill 99% of bacteria in the periodontal pockets. Unfortunately, some patients may need to have teeth extracted during this stage or may even elect for removal themselves as a means to rebuild oral health.

Contact Our Periodontal Team

Don't suffer from gum disease any longer – our dental team is trained in periodontics and can provide you with the care you need to treat or prevent gum disease. We offer a wide range of services, from simple cleanings to more complex procedures, and we'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your individual needs. So don't wait – call us today to schedule your periodontal evaluation.