Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases are ailments that affect the tissue and bone that support teeth. These diseases can often go untreated as they do not cause any pain. However, a prompt diagnosis of periodontal disease can help prevent expensive treatments or, even worse, tooth loss.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the supporting structures of the gum tissue and teeth. Though these infections are pretty standard, they can be cured successfully with early intervention. 

The gum tissue fits around each tooth like a shield in a healthy oral cavity. A fissure called a sulcus is formed when the gum meets the tooth.  This fissure should measure roughly about three millimeters in depth when your gums are healthy and disease-free.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Gum recession
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Improper bite
  • Changes in the denture shape

However, it is still possible to have periodontal disease even if you don’t experience any symptoms. That’s why regular dental exams and gum assessments are essential.

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Most periodontal disease treatments have many benefits and will increase the chances of retaining your natural teeth. Moreover, the chances of severe health problems associated with periodontal diseases will be minimized.

Scaling and Root Planing

This non-surgical therapy usually involves a thorough cleaning process, called scaling and root planing. It is also called deep cleaning and helps remove plaque and tartar deposits on enamel and tooth-root surfaces. This procedure enables the gum tissue to heal and shrink the periodontal pockets. A local anesthetic may be used while performing the procedure to eliminate any discomfort.

Medications

Medication may be prescribed to control infection, reduce pain, and heal the gum tissue. After the scaling and root planing process, it may involve placing a pill directly in the periodontal gum pocket. 

Periodontal Surgery

When the gum pockets do not heal even after scaling and root planing procedures, we recommend periodontal surgery to remove the diseased tissues and reduce the damage to the bone structure around the teeth. When the pockets grow in size, they provide more space for bacteria to thrive and attack the bone and tissue.

During periodontal surgery, the challenging areas under the gum and the tooth roots are reached to eliminate the tartar and plaque deposits. Removing these bacterial accumulations and regenerating bone and tissue will help reduce gum pockets and repair damage caused due to the advanced disease.

To learn more about our periodontal treatments, visit Wedgewood Dental offices at 713 Salem Avenue Suite A, Rolla MO 65401 or 1116 S. Main Street, Salem MO 65560. You can also reach us at (573)368-7325 or (573)729-7701.

Location

713 Salem Avenue Suite A, Rolla MO 65401

Office Hours

MON 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

TUE Closed

WED - THU 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

FRI - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: grin@wedgewood-dental.com

Phone: (573) 368-7325

Location

1116 S. Main Street, Salem MO 65560

Office Hours

MON Closed

TUE 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

WED - THU Closed

FRI 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: grin@wedgewood-dental.com

Phone: (573) 729-7701