The Importance of Periodontics in Oral Health
Periodontics focuses on the structures that support your teeth, including the gums and jaw bone. Our Philadelphia periodontists provide the periodontal treatment you need to achieve and maintain a healthy foundation for your smile. They use advanced technology and techniques to clean your teeth below the gum line, and help you avoid gum disease and other complications. To learn more about the importance of periodontics, contact our Philadelphia office today.
The Importance of Periodontal Care
Your teeth are surrounded and supported by a group of structures called the periodontium. Your periodontium comprises connective tissues that anchor your teeth, your alveolar sockets, and your gums. When any part of your periodontium or jaw bone is compromised by decay or trauma, it can lead to infection, pain, and eventual tooth loss.
Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is very important to maintaining your oral health, but it is equally important to visit your dentist every six months. Some periodontal complications are not apparent to the untrained eye, but our dentists can detect gum disease and other conditions in their earliest stages, when they are most treatable.
Gum Disease Treatment Philadelphia
There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Each stage has specific symptoms:
- Gingivitis – In the earliest stage of gum disease, plaque beneath your gum line produces toxins that irritate your gum tissue, causing inflammation. You may notice redness or swelling around the gum line, or bleeding as you brush and floss.
- Periodontitis – Periodontitis occurs when pockets develop below your gum line, filled with bacteria that can cause your gums to pull away from the teeth. This causes permanent damage to the fibers that hold your teeth in place and can cause your teeth to loosen or feel painful.
- Advanced Periodontitis – In the advanced stage, patients experience severe destruction of supportive fibers and bone. Your teeth can become very loose and fall out during this stage.
If you recognize any symptoms of gum disease, or if you have not visited a dentist within the last six months, contact us to schedule an appointment for a periodontal examination.
Periodontal Treatment Philadelphia
Different stages of gum disease require different treatments. Gingivitis, for example, can often be treated with more frequent brushing and flossing, or an improved brushing and flossing technique. By reducing plaque buildup with these hygienic techniques, gum irritation can subside.
Our doctors may recommend root planing and scaling, also known as a deep cleaning. During this treatment, we will remove plaque from below your gum line. We can also smooth the surface of your tooth roots, which can reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the future.
The most serious cases of gum disease require surgical treatment such as gum grafting and extractions. During a throughout exam, our dentists will determine which treatment will best meet your needs.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about periodontal treatment and the rest of the general, cosmetic, and restorative treatments we provide, contact us today.