Periodontal Care
Peachtree Corners, GA
Periodontal Care provided by Dr. Clint Baugham
in Peachtree Corners, GA at Southern Family Dental Care
The main goal of regular teeth cleanings is to help patients avoid periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a common gum infection that negatively affects the tissue that holds your teeth in place. Symptoms like bleeding gums, tooth pain, and bad breath may signal periodontal disease and require an evaluation to determine treatment.
While periodontal disease may sound daunting, it is important to note that it is preventable. Visiting our team every six months for regular cleaning, reporting symptoms early, and taking care of your teeth at home will help to keep gum disease at bay.
If you currently have periodontal disease, you require special treatments that will help to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. At Southern Family Dental Care, we are committed to taking all of the necessary measures to prevent and treat periodontal disease quickly and effectively in order to avoid permanent damage or loss of teeth.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Our professionals can make a diagnosis of periodontal disease by manually checking for receding gums, problems with tooth alignment, and loose teeth. During the examination, a member of our team will also measure the space between teeth and may test the strength of your bite. An x-ray can determine whether more significant issues have developed in areas of the mouth not easily seen by the naked eye.
There are levels of the severity of periodontal disease. Gingivitis, the first level of disease, is marked by gum inflammation, tenderness, and bleeding. Periodontitis, the next stage, occurs with continued tartar and plaque buildup. This causes gum recession, further bacteria growth, and continued discomfort of the gums. In advanced periodontitis, teeth are more likely to be lost as bones and gums remain infected. Treatment will depend on the severity of the infection.
While our professionals may determine you only need one or two customary dental cleanings to heal your symptoms, more extensive treatment may be recommended. A deep cleaning of your teeth and gums that requires scaling will remove tartar and plaque from below the gumline. Root planning will smooth the rougher exteriors of your teeth. If these methods, along with any prescribed medications or tools, do not help to heal the infection, our professionals may determine a need for oral surgery.
Preventing Periodontal Disease at Home
As you age, your risk for developing periodontal disease increases. For this reason, it is imperative that you take good care of your teeth between dental visits. Brushing your teeth and tongue after eating will remove harmful bacteria from the surfaces of your mouth. Flossing between your teeth once per day will extract fragments from between the teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. Adding a fluoride mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine will help to reinforce bacteria and plaque removal. While these may seem like basic steps to oral care, they remain the best preventative measures that you can take to treat mild periodontal disease as well as prevent future disease.
Do you have any symptoms of periodontal disease? Do you have a previous diagnosis but have not scheduled your appointment for treatment? Acting now will help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy and slow or halt progression of infection. Call Southern Family Dental Care at 470-410-9774 to schedule your periodontal care now. |
