Periodontal Treatment

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an umbrella term used to describe several conditions that damage and infect the soft tissues that surround and support your teeth. These structures include your gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament.

Your gums and jawbones are the foundation of your oral health. In addition, maintaining healthy gums is necessary to achieve physical well-being. If your gums regularly bleed when you brush and floss your teeth, or you notice your gums are receding, don’t hesitate to request an appointment for periodontal treatment at Dentistry by Design Palisades today. 

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

The symptoms of periodontal disease vary from person to person and depend on the severity of the underlying condition. Telltale signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Painful chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Loose teeth

If you experience these or other symptoms, don’t wait for periodontal treatment. Left unmanaged, periodontal disease increases your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or diabetes.

Are there different types of periodontal treatment?

At Dentistry by Design Palisades, the team offers a wide range of periodontal treatments, including:

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing, also known as deep dental cleaning, is a periodontal treatment that involves your dentist carefully removing tartar from above and below your gum line. After eradicating any buildup, your dentist smooths out any rough edges on the surface of your tooth roots. Ultimately, this allows your gums to heal and prevents further recession.

Surgical pocket reduction

If you have a serious case of gum disease, your dentist might recommend a surgical pocket reduction or “flap surgery.” During this type of periodontal treatment, your dentist cleans out plaque and tartar from deep pockets between your teeth. Your dentist also lifts your gums and cleans underneath them. Afterward, they suture your gums to fit more snugly around your teeth.

Bone and tissue graft

If periodontal disease extensively damages your jawbone or gum tissue, a bone or tissue graft might be necessary. This type of periodontal treatment involves your dentist using synthetic bone or tissue to replace damaged and diseased bone or tissue, restoring your smile to its healthy, near-original condition. 

If you suspect you have gum disease, don’t wait to invest in periodontal treatment. Make an appointment at Dentistry by Design Palisades by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool today.