Periodontal dentistry is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums. It begins with plaque buildup on the teeth, which hardens into tartar. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that cause infections.
Mild cases of periodontal disease can be treated with more frequent professional cleanings. More severe cases can be treated with deep cleanings, antibiotics, or surgery.
If you have been told you have periodontitis, it means that you have an infection in the tissues around your teeth. The treatment depends on its severity and symptoms.
What Are the Signs of Periodontal Disease?
Below are the signs that show your gums need immediate care:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums that are often a sign of an infection or reaction to bacteria
- If your gums are receding, then the chances are good that you have gum disease. Receding gums can also be the result of brushing too aggressively, brushing with an incorrect technique, or using abrasive toothpaste.
- Teeth sensitivity
- Bad breath
- When an area of gum tissue is infected or inflamed, it can result in an ulcer in your gums.
- Loose teeth
- New spacing between teeth
- Loose permanent teeth
What Happens During a Periodontal Exam?
During a periodontal exam, we will look at your teeth and gums for signs of gum infection, gum inflammation, and gum recession. We may also take X-rays to see what's going on underneath the gum line and check for bone loss, which is another common sign of periodontitis.
If we determine that you do, in fact, have gum disease, we can treat it using scaling and root planing. This involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line, as well as smoothing the tooth roots to discourage further tartar buildup.
You can reach out to our dental practice at (972) 562-0197, visit us at 400 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069, or book an appointment online for a consultation with ourDentist in McKinney TX.
