Periodontics

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an ongoing bacterial infection surrounding the teeth. It affects the gums and the bone that support your smile. Eventually, periodontal disease can affect the teeth themselves and even the body as a whole.

Inflammation under the gums can destroy the bone around the teeth, leading to tooth loss. More importantly, research has linked gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pregnancy complications. Dr. Zweber can help you get your healthy gums back to protect your smile and your bodily health.

Treating Gum Disease

Your gum disease treatment will depend on the extent and type of your disease. Remember to see your dentist twice each year to stay on top of your oral health. Our team will evaluate your mouth for periodontal disease, so we can catch it early and keep treatment simple.

Early gum disease treatment usually involves one to two extra cleanings. These cleanings are the same as the ones you usually receive when you visit our office. We will also make suggestions to improve your oral hygiene routine at home..

Advanced gum disease treatment will require a special kind of cleaning called scaling and root planing. We are happy to provide your deep cleaning experience in our office while keeping your comfort in mind. Scaling is removing toxins from above and below the gum line, and root planing involves making rough spots on the surfaces smooth.

If scaling and root planing aren’t enough to improve your health, we may recommend medications, mouth rinses, or procedures to control gum disease.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Watch out for the warning signs of periodontal disease, including:

  • Bleeding gums.
  • Red, swollen, tender gums.
  • Receding gums.
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
  • Teeth that are loose or separating.
  • Change in the way teeth fit together when you bite.
  • Change in the fit of dentures.

It is also possible to have periodontal disease without noticing its symptoms. Come visit our office for your twice yearly exams, and remain aware of gums that may be swollen or bleeding.

You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease! To schedule a visit, call us at Cordata Dental Professionals — your dental home – today.