PERIODONTAL CARE IN STAMFORD
GET THE CARE YOU NEED FOR HEALTHY GUMS
More than half of all adults have periodontal (gum) disease, and many are not even aware that they suffer from this issue. Gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults, so recognizing it and getting help from a dentist in Stamford like Dr. Park or Dr. Kwon is essential for your oral health. Read on for more information, or schedule a consultation at Clear Smile Dental Studio now.
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Periodontal or “gum” disease, is a chronic bacterial infection of the gum tissue. This happens when patients do not brush and floss properly at home or see a dentist for teeth cleanings, and bacteria-filled plaque and tartar build up between the gums and teeth.
Over time, the bacteria in the plaque and tartar will begin infecting and attacking the gum tissue, resulting in gum disease. Proper at-home oral hygiene and regular dental visits with our Stamford dentists are essential for minimizing your risk of developing gum disease.
EXPLAINING THE STAGES
OF GUM DISEASE
Gum disease is usually broken up into three different “stages,” known as gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, results in minor inflammation in the gums, but is reversible and can be completely cured with proper at-home dental care and periodontal care from a Stamford dentist. It causes no permanent damage to your mouth.
Periodontitis, the second stage, causes irreversible damage to your gums and the support structures of your teeth, and it can never be completely “cured.” However, it’s possible to manage it with routine periodontal cleanings and good at-home oral care. This will eliminate its symptoms and prevent further damage.
Advanced periodontitis, the final stage of gum disease, almost always requires surgical intervention to restore your gums and teeth, and many teeth may be damaged beyond repair and require extraction.
OUR TREATMENTS FOR GUM DISEASE
DEEP CLEANING ( SCALING & ROOT PLANING )
The best treatment for most minor-to-moderate cases of gum disease is deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This treatment typically takes two appointments over a period of a few weeks, since one-half of your mouth will be cleaned during each appointment.
To begin the process, Dr. Park or Dr. Kwon will numb your mouth to keep you comfortable. Then, they will use a variety of special dental tools to clean deeply between your gums and your teeth. This will eliminate the bacteria-filled plaque and tartar that has built up between your teeth and your gums. Dr. Park or Dr. Kwon will also smooth out the roots of your teeth using a special tool. This helps eliminate periodontal “pockets” that often contain bacterial buildup.
Once your procedure is over, you’ll be sent home to recover. Your teeth may feel more sensitive for a few weeks after your treatment. Dr. Park or Dr. Kwon may also give you a prescription for antibiotics, which you’ll take to help control bacteria levels in your mouth
.
Then, you’ll come back to Clear Smile Dental Studio for another appointment in a few weeks to have the other half of your mouth cleaned. Some patients may need to have multiple deep cleanings in order to properly control their gum disease.
COMMON SIGNS OF
GUM DISEASE
The signs of gum disease are a bit different, depending on the stage. Gingivitis usually has symptoms like inflammation and discoloration of the gums, as well as minor gum sensitivity, bleeding when brushing and flossing, and halitosis (bad breath).
As the disease advances into periodontitis, you will typically notice lengthening of the teeth caused by gum recession, increased sensitivity when chewing and biting, and quite a bit of blood while brushing and flossing.
In the final stage of “advanced periodontitis,” your teeth may fit together differently, feel loose, or one or more teeth may fall out completely. You may also notice a foul taste in your mouth, pus buildup between the gums and teeth, and a lot of pain when chewing.
HOW IS PERIODONTAL CARE
GUM DISEASE WITH PROPER CARE?
Gum disease is usually broken up into three different “stages,” known as gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, results in minor inflammation in the gums, but is reversible and can be completely cured with proper at-home dental care and periodontal care from a Stamford dentist. It causes no permanent damage to your mouth.
Periodontitis, the second stage, causes irreversible damage to your gums and the support structures of your teeth, and it can never be completely “cured.” However, it’s possible to manage it with routine periodontal cleanings and good at-home oral care. This will eliminate its symptoms and prevent further damage.
Advanced periodontitis, the final stage of gum disease, almost always requires surgical intervention to restore your gums and teeth, and many teeth may be damaged beyond repair and require extraction.
CAN I REVERSE
TIED TO OVERALL HEALTH?
The answer is “yes,” but only if your gum disease has not progressed past the first stage, which is known as “gingivitis.” Gingivitis causes swelling, inflammation, and discoloration of the gums, but it doesn’t cause permanent damage to your gums or your teeth.
If you have gingivitis, it’s entirely possible to reverse your gum disease. You need to see a dentist like Dr. Kwon or Dr. Park for a deep cleaning, and then take steps to keep your mouth healthy, such as eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining a better oral hygiene routine.
With these steps, it’s possible to completely reverse and eliminate your gingivitis. But if you don’t start in time, your condition may progress and become irreversible. While you can control gum disease after it becomes irreversible, you won’t be able to eliminate it, and you will need to get special periodontal cleanings for the rest of your life.
GET THE CARE YOU NEED
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLAN IN STAMFORD
If you have gum disease, personalized care is essential for the best possible outcome for your case. At Clear Smile Dental Studio, Dr. Park and Dr. Kwon can recommend treatments like deep cleaning (scaling & root planing), antibiotics, and surgical intervention to eliminate or control gum disease, and ensure you can maintain your oral health.
Contact us now to schedule a consultation at our Stamford office and get the help you need.