When gingivitis is left untreated it can advance to a more serious dental issue called periodontal disease. When a patient experiences periodontitis, the gums have pulled away from the teeth leaving room or “pockets” that become havens for bacteria to flourish in the mouth.
Without general dental care, this bacterium causes an infection leading to periodontal therapy needs. Our body does its best to fight this infection, but in many cases, the infection spreads farther down between the teeth, leading to the breakdown of the bone structure and connective tissue holding the teeth together. Periodontal disease can cause destruction of the bones, gums, tissues, and inevitably, tooth loss. Basin Dentistry wants all of our patients to have healthy teeth and gums. If you are concerned about your oral health, seeking periodontal therapy can help.
With patients who are suffering from gum infection, or the early signs of periodontal disease, the main objective is to stop the infection. The type of treatment utilized will depend on the severity of the infection and its progression inside your mouth. However, all treatment requires patients to continue good oral hygiene habits at home. This means consistently brushing, flossing and rinsing two to three times a day. Quitting smoking is another way to help increase your chances of not suffering from gum disease. The team at Basin Dentistry wants all of our patients to feel relaxed and comfortable discussing dental concern issues. Our mission is to help you feel better while improving the health of your teeth and gums.
Scaling and root planing are utilized when patients require more extensive help with removing bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria and tartar buildup require specific dental treatments that deep clean the teeth and gums.
Scaling refers to scraping the teeth to remove tartar buildup. Root planing is a dental treatment that removes rough spots on the root where the bacteria gather, also helping to remove tartar and plaque buildup below the gum line. These two treatments combined can significantly reduce your symptoms and provide you with a path to a healthy mouth and gums.
If you suspect that you or a family member may have periodontal disease, call us at (432) 217-0089 today to schedule a consultation regarding periodontal therapy.