Periodontal Treatment in Rutland, MA
At Carewell Dental, your oral health is of the utmost importance to us, so we strive to provide you with the highest quality treatment when you visit our dental office. However, we are also dedicated to helping you maintain good oral hygiene practices at home. It is essential to care for both your teeth and gums when you are between dental visits to avoid periodontal disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults in the United States suffer from some form of gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Not only can periodontal disease be painful, but it can contribute to serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and blood sugar issues in people with diabetes.
Periodontal Treatment from Carewell Dental
When you visit our dental office for regular dental exams and cleanings, we will evaluate your gum health and form a treatment plan if we detect periodontal disease. If a dental cleaning isn’t enough, we will recommend one of the following treatments:
Scaling and Root Planing
For the tooth scaling procedure, we will remove the tartar from the surface of your teeth above the gumline. Root planing involves smoothing the root’s surfaces after removing any infection below the gumline. Scaling and planing are typically done in sections to allow for adequate healing time.
Laser Dentistry
We can use a laser with the LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) to target and remove infectious bacteria before reattaching your gum tissue. This procedure allows for less discomfort and a faster healing time.
What Is Gum Disease?
You may be familiar with gingivitis, which refers to inflammation in your gums. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontal disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. When plaque builds up on your teeth, it begins to irritate your gums, causing them to become red and inflamed. Once the plaque turns to tartar, it can no longer be removed with regular brushing, so it continues to irritate your gum tissues. This causes your gums to recede, creating what are known as pockets. As the infection in these pockets increases, you can lose bone density, and your teeth begin to loosen.
Besides oral hygiene, the following factors can contribute to periodontal disease:
- Hormonal changes
- Smoking
- Certain medications
- Genetics
- Sleep apnea
Frequently Asked Questions
Preventing gum disease involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices and regular professional care. One of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease is by brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Brushing helps remove plaque from the surface of your teeth and along the gum line. Additionally, daily flossing is crucial because it removes plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gum line, which a toothbrush can't reach.
Regular dental visits are also essential in preventing gum disease. A dentist in Spencer MA can provide professional cleanings that remove tartar, which is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. During these visits, your dentist can also check for early signs of gum disease and provide guidance on how to improve your oral hygiene routine. They might recommend using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth and lower your risk of developing gum disease.
Lifestyle choices play a significant role in gum health as well. Eating a balanced diet that is low in sugary and starchy foods helps reduce the amount of plaque that forms on your teeth. Avoiding tobacco products is also crucial, as smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly increase your risk of gum disease. Need to know more dental treatments for gum disease? Call us at +15088866046.
The early signs of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can be subtle but are important to recognize for early intervention. Initially, you might notice that your gums appear redder than usual and feel swollen or tender. This inflammation is due to the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause your gums to bleed, particularly during brushing or flossing. This bleeding is not normal and should prompt you to schedule a visit with a dentist in Paxton, MA, to get a professional evaluation.
Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, is another early sign of gum disease. This occurs because the bacteria in your mouth produce toxins that can irritate your gums and create an unpleasant odor. You might also notice that your gums are receding, which means they are pulling away from your teeth. This can make your teeth look longer than usual and create pockets between your teeth and gums where food particles and bacteria can get trapped.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking professional dental care is crucial. A dentist in Paxton, MA, can perform a comprehensive examination to determine if you have gum disease and develop a treatment plan to address it. Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent the progression of the disease and avoid more severe complications, such as tooth loss.
Treatment for gum disease depends on the stage and severity of the condition. In its early stages, known as gingivitis, treatment typically involves professional dental cleanings and improved at-home oral hygiene practices. A dentist in Holden can perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing might miss. They may also guide how to effectively clean your teeth and gums at home to prevent the disease from progressing.
Scaling and Root Planing for Periodontitis
More intensive treatments may be necessary if gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, known as periodontitis. Scaling and root planing is a standard procedure used to treat periodontitis.
This deep-cleaning method involves scraping away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and smoothing out rough spots on the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth. In some cases, dentists may prescribe antibiotics to help control the bacterial infection.
Surgical Interventions and Advanced Care
For severe cases of gum disease, surgical interventions might be required. Carewell Dental offers procedures such as flap surgery, bone grafts, and soft tissue grafts can help restore damaged gum and bone tissue.
Contact Us Today
For those who need immediate attention, an emergency dentist in Holden MA, can provide same day dental care addressing urgent issues related to gum disease and helping to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
Routine teeth cleanings are recommended every six months to maintain your smile, while a deep cleaning is recommended to treat periodontal (gum) disease.
During a deep cleaning, you will be numbed because our hygienists reach beneath the gumline with their tools to remove plaque, bacteria, and tartar that are causing an infection. This type of cleaning is recommended for patients battling advanced gum disease. A deep cleaning is the first step in managing the condition, but you will need a professional teeth cleaning every few months to monitor it. Unfortunately, there is no cure for gum disease.
What Happens During a Routine Dental Cleaning?
During a standard cleaning, our hygienists screen you for gum disease and carefully remove the plaque and bacteria buildup you might've missed at home. They also floss and polish your teeth for a smooth, shiny finish.
When we spot gum disease early, you may be able to adjust your home care routine and undergo a thorough professional cleaning, helping you reverse the condition and avoid the need for a deeper cleaning.
Is It Time for Your Next Dental Cleaning in Rutland?
Contact your Carewell Dental team at (508) 886-6046 to schedule your next dental teeth cleaning and exam.
Meet Our Dentist:
Dr. Resmi Nair DMD
Dentist
Dr. Resmi Nair is a graduate of Boston University-Goldman School of Dental Medicine, which is consistently ranked as one of the top dental schools in the United States.
As a family and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Nair has been practicing dentistry since 2001, so she understands how to provide outstanding patient care. She is committed to learning and keeping up to date with the newest methods and developments in dentistry to provide her patients with the latest treatment options. She regularly participates in educational opportunities to expand her knowledge in the field ...
Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms
Often, periodontal disease can be subtle and painless at first. Pay attention to the following warning signs of gum disease:
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
Want to Learn More about Periodontal Treatment in Rutland?
If you have questions or concerns about your gum health or would like to make an appointment for a dental consultation, we would love to hear from you. At Carewell Dental, near Paxton, Princeton, and Holden, we truly want to exceed your expectations regarding your dental care. Let us show you what caring and compassionate dentistry looks like. You can call us at (508) 886-6046 for more information.
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