Advanced Periodontal Therapy in Redding, CA
While most patients focus on the danger of cavities on their teeth, they often neglect the vital role that gums play in their oral health. The truth is that the health of the gums can affect the health of your teeth and, in some cases, your entire body. One of the most common illnesses affecting the gums is periodontal disease. At TruCare Dental, we promise to cater to all your dental needs, including ensuring your gums are healthy!
What is periodontal therapy, and how can it help you? Periodontal therapy is a series of treatments that help restore the health of your teeth and gums to prevent tooth loss. It is a conservative or non-surgical treatment to manage gum infection and to keep tooth loss at bay.
Effective Treatments for Gum Disease
First, the dentist will perform a wide range of assessments to gauge the extent of your gum infection. A patient’s medical history may be tied to your symptoms. For instance, smoking or taking some medicines may cause dry mouth, leading to gum disease. The dentist will also examine the mouth for plaque and tartar buildup and measure gum pockets. A deeper pocket by about 4 mm may indicate a gum disease. Lastly, a diagnostic X-ray will be performed to check for bone loss. From there, the dentist will devise a treatment plan depending on the extent of infection or tooth loss.
Scaling and Cleaning
The dentist will perform cleaning and scaling to clean the surfaces of the teeth above the gum line. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the tooth surface and below the gums. The dentist may use dental instruments and, in some cases, an ultrasonic device or laser equipment. Fluoride treatment may also be given to restore good gum health.
Root Planing
Root planing is a procedure to smoothen the subgingival root surfaces. It removes deposits to help the gums reattach to the tooth. It’s one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe.
Medication
Antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. The dentist will prescribe either topical or oral antibiotics. Topical antibacterial medicines can include applying gel into gum pockets or using mouth rinses. Meanwhile, oral antibiotics can be taken depending on your dentist’s recommended dosage.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a common type of gum disease, affecting about 4 in 10 American adults. Approximately 47% of all adults aged 30 and older have some form of gum disease. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease. However, full-blown periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gums, wherein bacteria in the plaque can cause the gums to recede, pulling away from your teeth. Further, the bacterial infection can wreak havoc on your teeth and surrounding tissue. The most serious complication of this infection is tooth loss.
Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease. When teeth are not cleaned properly, plaque forms and tartar may accumulate. Brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day removes plaque, reducing the risk of gum disease.
Many factors can predispose you to gum disease and infection, including:
- Smoking
- Poor oral care habits
- Diabetes or elevated blood sugar levels
- Genetics or family history
- Poor nutrition (Low Vitamin C levels)
- Medicines that cause dry mouth
- Conditions that lower the immune response (HIV, AIDS, or cancer treatment)
- Hormonal changes (Pregnancy or Menopause)
Restore Your Smile with Expert Periodontal Therapy
If you’re on the search for a leading provider of periodontal therapy near you, you’ve come to the right place. TruCare Dental provides gum treatment to help restore your beaming, beautiful smile. To receive only the best Periodontal Therapy in Redding, CA, contact us today at (530) 243-3224.