Periodontal Care And Maintenance
Periodontal Care And Maintenance in Groton, MA
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease mostly affects the soft tissues in your mouth. The gums become infected. This is mostly caused by plaque which is a type of bacteria. The bacteria build-up, due to lack of or limited dental hygiene care. When the plaque accumulates and hardens, it transforms to tartar which is problematic to remove. At this level, it is paramount that you seek prompt medical care to start the treatment process since if left unchecked, it could result in tooth loss.
The most common periodontal disease symptoms include receding gums, bad breath that does not go away, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, bleeding and tender gums, red and swollen gums, and painful chewing. Immediate periodontal maintenance and care are required for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis
A dental hygienist will inspect your gums for symptoms of irritation, and your dentist will measure for pockets around your teeth using a little ruler. Pockets between one and three millimeters are found in a healthy mouth, and the examination is painless. Your dentist will inquire about your medical history in order to discover risk factors for gum disease, such as diabetes and smoking. An x-ray may be taken here by the dentist to detect any bone loss. We may then recommend you to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease diagnosis and treatment. A periodontist may be able to provide you with treatment alternatives that the dentist does not.
What is a Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning?
This treatment eliminates the bacteria that produce inflammatory reactions that bring about gum disease. In individuals with gum disease, this is intended to retain all of the work done by scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery.
Why Do I Need Periodontal Maintenance?
Several factors bring about gum disease and are major factors that one should have checked. These factors are bacteria, the immune system, and the removal of bacteria-causing inflammatory responses.
How Often Do I Need Periodontal Maintenance?
The periodontist will be the one to determine how often you need periodontal maintenance and cleaning. This will depend on how much the inflammation is or the degree of gum recession. After a professional cleaning, bacteria associated with gum disease repopulate your gums three months later. It is vital to alternate this with a dental visit to check on your overall oral health, and a periodontist to check on gum health.
If you suspect that you or your loved one may be suffering from periodontal disease, Smiles of Groton is always ready to receive you and provide the best care possible. You can also learn more about gum disease by calling us today at (978) 449-4679, or you can also schedule an appointment to start your periodontal maintenance and care immediately.
