Maintaining good gum health not only protects the beauty of your smile, but your oral health and the stability of your teeth too! If you have sore, red gums that bleed easily, we can offer in-office treatment to manage it. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist talks about our treatments to manage gum disease and ensure good gum health.
The Causes and Potential Warning Signs
Periodontal disease develops when the gums become inflamed, to the point that the tissues begin to pull away from the teeth and expose pockets for disease-causing bacteria to enter. At this point, you have periodontal disease, which cannot be cured but can be managed to avoid the later stages linked to adult tooth loss. The causes of the inflammation, also known as gingivitis, include improper brushing and flossing, diets high in sugar and starch, and lack of dental cleanings, all of which allow plaque and tartar to coat the teeth and irritate the gingival tissues. This could also be exacerbated by tobacco use, inflammatory illnesses, a family history of periodontal problems, and certain medications. The warning signs could include soreness, redness, and bleeding, as well as receding tissues.
Scaling and Root Planing
If you exhibit the warning signs we discussed above, then you may need a deep cleaning. Also known as a scaling and root planing, this procedure involves the use of an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick to thoroughly remove all plaque buildup from the surfaces of the teeth and the roots, and beneath the gums too. The procedure is more involved than a traditional cleaning, and we will numb your smile to keep you comfortable. This could take one visit or up to four, and afterward we polish your teeth to make it difficult for plaque and tartar to adhere to the surfaces again.
Laser Dentistry
If you have a more advanced stage of the disease, one that a scaling and root planing alone cannot handle, our team could use dental lasers to trim away diseased tissues. By doing so, our team can allow healthy tissues to reattach to the teeth, which reduces the depth of periodontal pockets and allows us to manage the disease moving forward with traditional cleanings every three to four months. Lasers are comfortable, target areas with precision, and prevent bleeding, swelling, and infection. They also don’t require anesthesia! If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT IMPROVING PERIODONTAL HEALTH
Our team wants to make sure you continue to maintain your best smile. If you would like to find out more about fighting periodontal disease, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
