Our Periodontal Therapy Resolves Gum Disease Comfortably and Precisely
Gum or periodontal disease is a common oral condition affecting nearly half of adults. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to various issues, such as gum recession, bad breath, and tooth loss. Even worse, untreated oral infection can increase the risk of systemic conditions such as diabetes, preterm births, respiratory complications, etc.
If you are concerned about gum disease in Vista, California, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dreamtime Dentistry. Drs. Ryan Watkins and Joel Altshul are here to provide you with quality dental care to ensure optimal periodontal health.
How does gum disease develop?
Gum disease occurs when dental plaque—a sticky bacterial film— builds up in the mouth, often because of poor oral hygiene. The bacteria in the dental plaque inflame the gums, causing gingivitis—the earliest form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes several symptoms, including puffy, red, and bleeding gums.
As gum disease progresses, the infection spreads beneath the gum line, creating deep pockets around the teeth as the gums recede. This allows a surge of harmful bacteria to attack the periodontal ligaments and the bone that supports the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Fortunately, gum disease is treatable, even for advanced cases.
How is gum disease treated?
Before treatment, we’ll diagnose your gum disease by scrutinizing your symptoms and using a periodontal probe to measure the distance between your teeth and gums (sulcus). In healthy gums, the sulcus is no deeper than 3mm. Measurements exceeding 3mm indicate the presence of gum disease, with greater depths suggesting a more severe condition.Â
Our dental team takes a conservative approach to treating your gum disease. Our gum disease treatment options include:
- Scaling and root planing (SRP): This non-surgical procedure is done under local anesthesia. Plaque and tartar are removed by scaling down to the base of the teeth and beneath the gum line. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, discouraging further buildup and promoting gum reattachment.
- Antibiotic therapy: We’ll recommend topical or oral antibiotics to keep your infection under control.Â
Advanced gum disease leads to bacterial infection in deep pockets and irreversible tissue damage. In such cases, you may need advanced periodontal treatments like grafting and gum flap surgery. We will give you the best care possible to ensure you achieve ideal gum health, regardless of your oral health condition.
Is gum disease preventable?
Although we offer effective gum disease treatments, we always emphasize prevention to maintain healthy gums. If you want to keep your gums healthy, it’s essential to:
- Brush and floss your teeth diligently
- Consider a medicated oral rinse to prevent plaque buildup
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings
- Quit tobacco use
- Limit the intake of acidic and sugary foods
- Manage immune-suppressing conditions like diabetes and depression
Are you ready for healthy, infection-free gums?
If you suspect gum disease, don’t wait until it’s too late. Our periodontal therapy can help you maintain healthy gums. Call (760) 274-0993 to schedule an appointment with Dreamtime Dentistry. We can’t wait to restore your healthy gums.