Periodontics is the dental specialty that is all about gum health. At Hammons Family Dental, we are always on the lookout for periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.
The practice of periodontics involves protecting the gums and bone structure that lie beneath the teeth. The health of your gums and bone are critical to maintaining your functional natural teeth.
Why might you need periodontal care?
Gum disease is a progressive condition that actually affects 80% of American adults. It begins with mild gum inflammation and bleeding and can lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.
Periodontal disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults living in the developed world. The earlier we treat gum disease, the better off you will be.
If you notice red or swollen gums, bad breath, or gums that bleed easily, come in for an assessment. We recommend periodontal treatment to patients who are suffering from any level of gum disease. Treatment is most often noninvasive and simple!
What is Periodontal Disease and When Should I Get Treatment?
Periodontal disease stems from the bacteria living in plaque. Plaque causes an infection in the tissues surrounding the teeth, irritating them. Let’s treat this infection before the teeth become loose or the jawbone begins to recede.
Any treatment addressing the gums and bone surrounding your teeth is considered periodontal care. The periodontic treatment we most often recommend at Hammons Family Dental is scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning process that is highly effective against mild to moderate gum disease. The cleaning only takes a few minutes but can end up saving your natural smile.
During the cleaning, we will remove the plaque from above and below the gumline. Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but it is difficult to remove tough plaque with a normal toothbrush. With our ultrasonic tools, we can banish even the toughest bacteria.
We will also smooth out the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to stick. Our team is trained to administer effective periodontal care so that you can preserve a healthy smile throughout your life.
To schedule a gum assessment or cleaning, or receive a second opinion, contact Hammons Family Dental today.