Periodontal Disease in Norwood
Also Offering Dental Services for the Greater Norwood area including Westwood, Walpole, Canton, and Dedham MA
Periodontal, or gum, disease is an infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup on the teeth and underneath the gum line. In later stages, it can lead to tooth and bone loss and even serious health conditions like diabetes and stroke. When periodontal disease is diagnosed and treated in its early stages, it is easily reversible through good oral hygiene habits and regular dental cleanings. But whether you are noticing the beginnings of gum disease or need treatment for a more advanced stage of the disease, our practice provides effective treatments for preserving healthy teeth and gums and preventing the disease’s progression.
Would You Benefit from Periodontal Treatment?
You may benefit from one of our periodontal treatments if you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums that are tender to the touch
- Bleeding gums (especially while brushing or flossing)
- Receding gums
- Chronic bad breath/bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth; feeling like your teeth are shifting
- Pockets forming between the teeth and gums
- Bite changes (where your teeth don’t fit together with a closed bite)
Periodontal Disease Treatments
Along with maintaining proper oral hygiene habits, one or more of the following treatments may be used to treat periodontal disease and its symptoms:
Scaling and Root Planing
The scaling and root planing treatment removes tartar and plaque from below the gum line and along the tooth root, and smoothens rough spots along the tooth roots that can trap and hold bacteria. This treatment can include one or more sessions over a given period of time, depending on the patient’s needs.
Regular Maintenance Care
Medication in the form of pills, mouth rinses and other topical agents that contain antibiotics and antimicrobials are typically used to maintain the effects of a scaling and root planing treatment.
Surgery
In more advanced stages of periodontal disease, a surgical procedure may be needed to prevent tooth and/or jawbone loss. Flap surgery removes tartar deposits that have formed in deep pockets under the gum line. This procedure involves lifting the gums back in order to remove the tartar from the pocket. Bone or soft tissue grafts may also be used to replace bone or gums that have been lost as a result of the disease, providing support and structure to your teeth to prevent tooth loss. Gum grafting may also be considered in situations where recession is exposing sensitive tooth root.
Learn About Your Treatment Options Today
The health of your teeth relies directly on the health of your gums. And since periodontal disease is a condition that may occur without symptoms, it is especially important to have your oral health checked through regular dental visits. Our team of dental experts has several years’ experience treating gum disease, both in its early stages and in more severe cases. We can plan a treatment that is personalized for you, and one that preserves your tooth and gum function as much as possible.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, or if you are experiencing its symptoms, early treatment is necessary for you to preserve the health of your teeth and the quality of your smile. Schedule an appointment with one of our dental professionals to start your treatment; call our practice today!
