Periodontics in Elk Grove, CA
Oral wellbeing is determined not only by strong teeth but also by healthy gums. Gingival health plays a crucial role in providing a support system to your teeth and holding them in place. Gum infections and diseases can cause severe damage to your oral as well as general health.
Once our highly trained dentist assesses the oral cavity, we will be able to determine the extent of damage to the gums and the progression of the bacterial infection.
Indications of Periodontal Infection
Gum disease may take weeks or months to develop and often shows up as swelling, pain, tenderness, redness, or soreness in the soft tissue. Early signs such as deep gum pockets can be detected during regular dental exams. Our experienced dentist in Elk Grove, CA, uses a probe to measure the depth of gum pockets.
Advanced gum disease can lead to the formation of pus between the teeth and loosen the surrounding bone, resulting in loose teeth. Patients with periodontal problems also suffer from persistent foul breath. At this point, the patient may require surgery and follow-up antibiotic treatment.
Conservative and Surgical Periodontal Treatments
Common treatments for periodontal diseases could include scaling and root planing, administration of topical or systemic antibiotics, or gum grafting procedures for advanced cases. Untreated, periodontal disease may lead to an increase in overall health risks like stroke and blood pressure.
During a scaling and deep cleaning procedure, our skilled dentist will remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. The treatment leaves your gums plaque-free, and the root planing procedure helps reattach gum tissue to the tooth root after the scaling process. We will carefully monitor your progress during follow-up visits.
Does Periodontic Treatment Hurt?
Periodontics in Elk Grove, CA, is associated with minimal discomfort as we numb the area with gel and administer a gentle injection to desensitize the gums. Our reliable dentist will prescribe painkillers and antibiotic medication to accelerate the healing process and prevent the recurrence of infection.
If you need assistance with gum or tooth problems, pain, swelling, or tenderness, please contact Laguna Dental and Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
Some of the most noticeable signs of gum disease are swollen and painful gums that appear redder than usual, persistent bad breath, and bleeding gums while brushing or flossing. As gum disease advances, patients might also experience loose teeth and changes in their bite. Please visit Laguna Dental & Orthodontics if you have any of these symptoms immediately.
Periodontal disease is diagnosed through visual examination, probing of the gums to assess pocket depths, dental X-rays to evaluate the bone loss, and sometimes additional tests like bacterial cultures. Our dentist at Laguna Dental & Orthodontics will assess these findings to determine the severity of the disease and develop an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.
It is possible to prevent gum disease through proper oral hygiene. The best practices to prevent gum disease are brushing twice daily and flossing daily with a good technique, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and visiting our dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. In addition, avoiding tobacco products and maintaining healthy eating habits can help decrease the chance of developing gum disease.
Periodontal treatment can involve scaling, root planning, antibiotics, or surgery (in advanced cases). While some patients might experience moderate pain or discomfort during deep cleaning procedures, pain medication can easily manage it. If you need surgery, our Laguna Dental & Orthodontics dentist will provide several options to ensure a pain-free process. The benefits of the treatment significantly outweigh any discomfort you might experience.
The frequency of a periodontal visit depends on your oral health. A dental exam and cleaning from our dentist twice a year may be sufficient if you have a healthy mouth. If you are recovering from periodontal disease, the visit frequency might increase every three to four months. Our dentist will guide you regarding the frequency of your visits.
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