Improve Your Oral Health with Treatments for Periodontal Disease

When you ignore your oral care, it won’t take long before you start noticing unfavorable changes in your gums: swelling, redness, and bleeding. These symptoms point to gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease that, if left untreated, leads to severe health complications. At Alex Bell Dental, we offer patients in Centerville, Ohio, treatment for periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis or gum disease, is an inflammation of your gums that leads to soreness and swelling. When you ignore the treatment of gingivitis, it morphs into periodontitis, which leads to receding gums. The results? The space between the gum and teeth form pockets that collect debris that becomes infected. Eventually, the infection destroys the gum tissue and bone structure, leading to teeth loss.

If you are downplaying periodontal disease, it doesn’t only affect your oral health. It’s detrimental to your overall body health as well. According to the CDC, infection from gum disease may seep into the bloodstream, causing stroke and heart disease. Besides, gum diseases may exacerbate diabetes.

Causes of periodontal diseases

Plaque buildup is the leading cause of gum diseases. However, other factors increase the chances of periodontal disease: These are:

• Certain medications
• Smoking complicates the gum tissue’s efforts to repair itself
• Genetics
• Illnesses like cancer that weakens your immunity, increasing the chances of infections
• Hormonal fluctuations may increase gum sensitivity, causing gingivitis

Symptoms of periodontal disease

Typically, gum disease progresses without showing obvious signs, even in the advanced stages. While the periodontal disease may come out as subtle, it doesn’t entirely strike without apparent symptoms. The warning signs of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing
• Bad breath
• Red, swollen gums (healthy gums are pink and sturdy)
• Loose teeth
• Receding gum line
• Pockets formation between teeth and gums

While you may not have the above signs, it doesn’t mean you don’t have gum disease. Sometimes, gingivitis only affects certain teeth, for instance, the molars. As such, only a visit to a clinic like Alex Bell Dental can determine the extent of your gum disease.

Treatment of periodontal disease

The treatment aims to reduce swelling, promote reattachment of healthy tissues to the teeth, abate deep pockets, and curtail the infection. Typically, treatment involves the removal of infected tissues and suturing incisions.

However, Dr. Daniel Cobb can treat periodontal disease using conservative treatments. Here is the procedure:

1. Dr. Cobb requests saliva, which acts as a sample for oral DNA testing. The bacteria in the sample are critically analyzed to personalize your treatment.
2. Next, he uses a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets. This determines the progress of gum disease.
3. Then, digital images are taken to determine the extent of bone loss.
4. Our dentist analyses your medical history, nutrition, oral hygiene, and lifestyle to understand the exact cause of your gum disease.

Depending on the extent of the gum disease, Dr. Cobb may recommend scaling and root planing that involves the removal of tartar and smoothening of the root surfaces. Then, the dentist uses a dental laser to disinfect the infected pockets. Finally, the dentist advises at-home care practices to keep your mouth healthy in-between visits.

Gum infection treatment near Centerville, Ohio

Are you tirelessly searching for “non-surgical periodontal disease treatment near me” in Centerville, Ohio? Please dial (937) 435 7311 to book an appointment with Dr. Daniel Cobb at Alex Bell Dental.