Periodontal care is the treatment of periodontal disease, also called gum disease. Over time, plaque, a sticky film of saliva, bacteria, and food debris, accumulates on your gums and teeth. If you don’t remove plaque, it turns into tartar.
Plaque and tartar destroy the gums and jawbone, causing periodontal disease and red, bleeding, and swollen gums. Most people are not aware they have periodontal disease because of its painless symptoms in the early stages. Advanced periodontitis may lead to tooth loss.
Contact us at Main Street Dental to learn about periodontal care and schedule an appointment in McGregor, TX.
Gum Disease Treatment: Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontitis treatment often involves tooth scaling and root planing. Dr. John Shultz and Dr. Claudia Raimondo will scrape away all the plaque and tartar on your teeth, scaling both above and below your gum line, down to the pocket where your teeth meet your gum.
Next, we’ll smooth out or plane the rough surfaces on the roots of your teeth to help gums reattach to your teeth. Depending on your condition, periodontal scaling and root planing may require more than one dental visit.
Research suggests a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and bacterial pneumonia. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and a balanced diet help lower your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Periodontal Maintenance
Like regular teeth cleaning, periodontal maintenance removes the buildup of plaque and tartar from the teeth. However, periodontal maintenance appointments only occur after a patient has been diagnosed with periodontal disease and treated with root planing and scaling.
We usually recommend these cleanings every three to four months to maintain gum health and eradicate dangerous bacterial growth that occurs with periodontal disease.
Contact Main Street Dental in McGregor, TX for more information about periodontal care and schedule a consultation with us to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Benefits of Periodontal Care
Because gum disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages, you may underestimate its impact on your overall health. However, maintaining a healthy gum line is critical in maintaining oral health. The benefits of periodontal care go beyond protecting teeth and healing gums. Additional benefits include:
- Relief from discomfort: Infected gums are often tender, sore, and prone to bleeding. With periodontal care, these symptoms fade, making it easier to brush and floss your teeth.
- Fresh breath: Because rotting food particles, plaque, and bacteria cause bad breath, it’s a common symptom of gum disease. Periodontal care allows you to enjoy the benefits of fresh breath once more.
- A beautiful smile: Periodontitis results in gum swelling and bleeding, which can cause some people to feel self-conscious about smiling. Once you receive periodontal care, your gum line will look healthy again. Cleanings also remove plaque and tartar that cause tooth discoloration.
Main Street Dental offers comprehensive periodontal care and treatment services to help you keep your gums healthy. Dr. Shultz and Dr. Raimondo provide accurate diagnoses, explain treatment options, and provide precise cost estimates. We proudly serve patients in McGregor and the surrounding communities. Contact our dentist office at (254) 840-2991 to schedule an appointment.
