Gum disease can be painful, embarrassing, and impossible to control without professional help. Most people end up with some form of it during their lifetime. The severity of the disease often depends on how proactive the patient is in addressing the warning signs quickly. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about our approach to general dentistry and how we treat and prevent periodontal disease.
Dental Checkups
A dental checkup is a major factor in determining periodontal health. On your first visit, our hygienist will take measurements of the pockets that naturally occur around the teeth. Most of the time, one to three-millimeter pockets are healthy. Any number above that typically means some sort of gum infection is occurring. If the inflammation of the pocket is due to gingivitis, or just a swelling of the gum tissue, the process can be reversed without significant damage. If the pockets are deep due to bone loss and tissue destruction, the disease may be much more difficult to control due to the progression of aggressive bacteria within deep spaces. Thankfully, we have treatments to get our patients back to optimal oral health for either situation.
Deep Cleaning Procedures
If the disease is still in the gingivitis phase, regular dental cleanings and special products can get you back to health. However, if the disease has progressed into periodontitis with gingival attachment loss and bone loss, then a deep cleaning is required. Without a more extensive cleaning, the bacteria and debris will continue to live in the pockets and cause destruction. During the scaling and root planning procedure or deep cleaning, an ultrasonic device cleans below the gums and on the root surfaces to disrupt bacteria and remove tartar. Then, special hand instruments smooth the surfaces to ensure the harmful debris is less likely to reattach. Dental lasers may also be employed to aid in the healing process. Treatment will be tailored to your needs.
Other Factors that Cause Gum Disease
Gum disease can be triggered by numerous health issues. Have you ever heard of pregnancy gingivitis? It’s an actual thing! Changes in hormones can affect the oral environment and trigger inflammation and bleeding in the gum tissues. If we see this occurring, more frequent dental cleanings and gentle products are recommended to control the bacteria and reduce the chances of permanent damage to the teeth and gums. There are several systemic issues that contribute to gum disease. At your dental check-ups, our team will review your unique medical history to keep an eye on health concerns that could affect your dental well-being.
Talk To Your Lake Orion, MI Dentist About Treating Gum Disease
To learn more about how we use general dentistry to improve your oral health and smile beauty, contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment.
