Gum, or periodontal disease can cause inflammation, called gingivitis, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease ranges from mild gingivitis to moderate and severe periodontitis. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may loosen, fall out or may need to be removed by a dentist.
Gum disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene by daily brushing and flossing. Regular checkups will help detect gum disease in the early stages when it can be most successfully treated.
We Serve Patients from all over the Santa Clarita Valley Area.
Our Oral Surgeons provide the latest in periodontal care, including:
• Comprehensive gum evaluation at each dental health maintenance appointment
• Digital x-rays to detect bone changes
• Dental prophylaxis (cleaning)
• If needed we recommend a Deep cleaning (root planing)
• Periodontal Maintenance After Treatment
What is a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a specialist who takes care of your oral health like a dentist. A periodontist’s specific focus is on treating and preventing gum disease, which is crucial to maintaining a high oral health level. A periodontist may be necessary if you have problems with your gums, as they can help you treat the issue and get you back on track towards excellent oral health in general.
What is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal health takes maintenance, just like your teeth and other parts of the body. Beyond just brushing your teeth, you also need periodontal cleaning for periodontal care. A periodontist will examine your mouth at a periodontal maintenance appointment and determine a potential treatment plan. Treatment would address any care needed by your gums and possibly implants if your gum damage and disease were causing issues for your teeth as well.
Benefits of Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy is something that your periodontist or gum doctor might suggest to help mitigate the damage of gum disease. This therapy can help address an infection, decrease pain, and even adjust the way that you bite. You can even have laser periodontal therapy done to help your gums if you need a little extra boost. These treatments can help you function more fully and happily and keep you feeling good about your smile knowing that you have the care you need to stay healthy.
What Does a Periodontist Do to Prevent & Treat Gum Disease?
A periodontist will do a variety of things to help prevent and treat gum disease. First, they can provide an assessment to see if you have or are at risk for gum disease. In addition, they can offer you access to periodontal services like cleanings, periodontics, and dental implants. You can talk to your periodontist about any concerns you have and make sure you understand your oral health problems.
Periodontist FAQs
What Causes Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Like most oral diseases, gum disease is caused by bacteria trapped in your mouth, which can grow and spread over time. With the help of a periodontal doctor, you can catch gum disease early so that you can start treatment and prevention as soon as possible. It is always better to treat gum disease in its earlier stages, as bacteria spread throughout the mouth are harder to treat.
What can I do to prevent periodontal disease?
The best thing you can do to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene. Even just brushing your teeth and flossing regularly can help you to avoid issues that might require a major intervention like a gum graft or surgical periodontics. If you are worried about potential issues with gum disease, talk to your dentist or periodontist about your concerns.