Periodontal Treatment Q & A.
Nearly half of American adults have at least a mild form of periodontal disease. At Prospect Heights Dental Care in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, Dr. Devin Platt and our team can effectively reverse the effects of periodontal disease and restore your oral health. Periodontal treatment can involve conservative, non-surgical methods, surgical treatments, or both. If you’re experiencing symptoms, such as bleeding or receding gums, call Prospect Heights Dental Care, or request an appointment online.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that’s comprised of two basic components: gum disease and bone disease. Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue that holds your teeth in place. When gum disease is left untreated, it may progress to bone disease, causing loss of the bone that supports your teeth, eventually causing loss of teeth.
How does periodontal disease develop?
There are many different kinds of bacteria that live inside your mouth. Although many of these bacteria are harmless, some types of bacteria damage your teeth and gums. Proper dental hygiene helps keep these bacteria in check. Neglecting to brush and floss allows harmful bacteria to accumulate in problem areas.
Some medical conditions also increase your risk of periodontal disease. Pregnancy or conditions like diabetes can also impact your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections and affecting your oral health.
What are the common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition, meaning that unless you receive treatment, your symptoms will worsen. Over time, periodontal disease can lead to severe infections, tooth loss, and even loss of facial bone tissue.
There are a variety of alarming signs and symptoms of gum disease, including:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding from the gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Mouth sores
How does periodontal treatment work?
Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of preventing and treating gum disease. The team at Prospect Heights Dental Care uses these visits to carefully examine your gums and clean your teeth to remove plaque near the gum line.
Regular cleanings and good oral hygiene are often enough to stop gum disease in its earlier phases, but if your periodontal disease is advanced, you may need additional treatments. More in-depth, slightly invasive dental cleanings help remove plaque and bacteria from below the gum line. These types of cleanings are called scaling and root planing.
In more severe cases of gum disease, surgery or tissue grafting may be needed. If gum disease results in lost teeth, implants are an excellent option to restore your smile and oral health.
To find out more about gum disease prevention and treatment options, call Prospect Heights Dental Care, or request an appointment online.
Plan your visit in Prospect Heights
Our dental technology helps us catch gum and bone changes early, before they progress.
Care is provided by Dr. Devin Platt at our Flatbush Avenue office. You can see directions, hours, and patient reviews on our Google Business Profile, or call the office to request an appointment.
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Walk in or book ahead — Dr. Platt and our team are ready to help, with evening appointments available for busy schedules.