When you fail to brush your teeth regularly, accumulation of plaque occurs, causing your gums to become loose and form pockets. Plaque may get inside the spaces between your teeth and gums, hardening into a substance called tartar. If left untreated, bacteria may cause further damage to your bones and gums. However, you can visit your dentist at Ueno Center Dental Specialists to treat periodontal disease in Campbell and get rid of bad breath and pain in your gums.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontitis is a gum infection that causes damage to your gums and may further affect bones in your jaw. This condition makes your gums unhealthy, and you may experience signs and symptoms that include:
- Bleeding gums
- Pain in your gums
- Bad breath
- Swollen gums
- Pus in the spaces between your teeth and gums
- Loss of teeth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums which will make your teeth appear longer
Certain factors put you at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, for example:
- Conditions that weaken your immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer
- Chewing tobacco and smoking
- Change in hormones during pregnancy and menopause
- Obesity
- Poor oral hygiene
- Use of medicines such as calcium channel blockers, steroids, anticonvulsants, and contraceptive tablets
- Diseases like arthritis and diabetes
Diagnosis and treatment for periodontitis
At Ueno Center Dental Specialists, your doctor will conduct a diagnosis before administering treatment. During diagnosis, your dentist will check for inflammation by using a small ruler to probe your gums.
The ruler is also used to estimate the size of pockets between your teeth and gums.
To treat your gums and improve your oral health, your dentist may recommend deep cleaning your teeth which involves two processes including:
Scaling. Your dentist will clean your gums by removing tartar using an ultrasonic device.
Root planing involves smoothening and removal of tartar from your roots.
Your specialist may use various medications that include antibiotic microspheres, which your dentist will insert inside the pockets after the scaling and root planing procedure. Antibiotics will also be used to treat infection in your gums and reduce inflammation.
If your periodontal disease is severe, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure.
- Bone grafting. This process is performed to prevent tooth loss and support your tooth. Your dentist will recommend this treatment if your bones are affected by periodontitis.
- Flap surgery. During this procedure, your dentist will lift your gums and remove plaque and tartar from the pockets. Your doctor will then stitch your gums in place.
- Soft tissue grafts. Your dentist may extract tissue from your mouth palate to fill the spaces formed by receding gums. This procedure prevents further gum recession and covers your exposed roots.
- Tissue-stimulating proteins. During this process, your dentist will apply gel to your tooth root, facilitating the development of healthy gums and bones.
- Guided tissue regeneration. Your dentist will insert biocompatible fabric between your tooth and bone to prevent plaque or any substance from getting inside, promoting the growth of your bone.
It is time to stop further damage to your gums and teeth by evading medical attention. Schedule an appointment with your dentist at Ueno Center Dental Specialists and improve your oral health.
