Did you know that millions of Americans have issues with their gums? So, if you’re one of them, you shouldn’t be embarrassed or upset about it. The best thing to do is to seek professional treatment from your Vallejo, CA, dentist. There are several effective treatments that can help restore the health of your gums, and our dental team can help you maintain your gum health and your overall oral health. So, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about periodontal disease and its treatment.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection in your gums that can eventually cause you to lose your teeth. It is caused when plaque builds up on your teeth and then hardens, becoming tartar. Unfortunately, bacteria thrive wherever there is plaque and tartar, releasing toxins that can cause periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, and once it progresses, it can lead to the worst stage of periodontal disease, known as periodontitis.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
The leading cause of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is poor oral hygiene. When food particles, bacteria, and saliva mix together and form plaque on your teeth, it must be removed before it irritates your gums and cause infection. However, other contributing factors to periodontal disease include the following:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Heredity
- Misaligned teeth
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
In the beginning stages of periodontal disease, or gingivitis, your gums become red and swollen. This inflammation can also cause them to bleed.
If left untreated, gingivitis will become the later form of periodontal disease, where your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth. This causes pockets to form, and those pockets become infected. As the infection worsens, the pockets deepen, causing your gum tissue and jawbone to deteriorate. Symptoms of periodontitis include the following:
- Red and swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Noticeable gum recession
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between your teeth and gums
Periodontal Treatment Options
There are four ways your Vallejo, CA, dentist can help you regain your gum health. They can recommend the procedure that is right for you based on the severity of your condition. The four periodontal treatments available are as follows:
1. Scaling and root planing – For this procedure, your dentist will remove the tartar from your teeth and then smooth the surfaces of your teeth’s roots to avoid further tartar buildup.
2. Gingivectomy – This surgical procedure removes excess gum tissue that has pulled away from your teeth.
3. Flap surgery – For this procedure, your dentist will lift your gum tissue to expose the roots of your teeth and the underlying bone. This enables them to remove the pockets of infection and tartar underneath.
4. Bone grafting – If you lose bone density due to periodontal disease, your dentist can replace the missing bone with an artificial substitute.
Benefits of Periodontal Treatment
Your gums are essential to your oral health, so keeping them free from infection is crucial. To avoid a myriad of potential issues, you shouldn’t delay treatment. Consider the following benefits of periodontal treatment:
- Reduced risk of tooth loss – If periodontal disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
- Better oral hygiene – When you receive periodontal treatment, you can also learn how to better care for your teeth and gums and prevent reoccurrences.
- Better appearance – Since periodontal disease can cause gum recession, undergoing treatment can help improve the look of your gums.
- Better overall health – Periodontal disease has been linked to several serious health conditions, including stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Periodontal treatment can reduce your risk of these conditions.
Do You Need Periodontal Treatment in Vallejo, CA?
If you would like to speak to our dental team about your periodontal treatment options, we look forward to hearing from you. Our dental office focuses on gentle and compassionate dental care, and we want to help you achieve the best gum health possible. If you want to make an appointment, you can reach our dental office at (707) 643-2660.