Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy
Periodontal Therapy in Southfield, MI
Periodontal (gum) disease is the result of too much bacteria building up onto your teeth and gums.
When the bacteria start to collect in your mouth, they can create a sticky, colorless substance known as “plaque.” Plaque builds up and sticks to your teeth. If it is not removed during brushing or flossing, the particle can harden and turn into tartar. Over time, plaque and tartar become more difficult to remove at home so a professional cleaning with our dentist is important for maintaining your oral health and preventing decay and periodontal disease.
The Importance of Routine Dental Cleanings
The longer the plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more harm they can cause to your oral health. Eventually, plaque and tartar will create a mild form of gum disease called gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gum tissue. Ideally, routine cleanings and proper oral care can prevent gingivitis from developing. Once gum disease is evident, we can help maintain the disease and prevent it from progressing.
In cases where gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontal disease. Inflammation affects the soft tissue (gums) and teeth, creating pockets between them. If left untreated, the pockets become deep and can cause teeth to become loose or even fall out.
Treatment
Our advanced LightWalker® Dual-Wavelength Laser technology allows us to comfortably treat gum disease with convenience. Effective treatment of periodontal disease will improve a patient’s breath, health, and in most cases, boost their confidence.
A common solution for controlling periodontal disease is a deep dental cleaning, which can be performed by our hygienist. Scaling and planing is usually performed without any anesthesia. While the procedure is usually painless, advanced stages of the disease may make it necessary to numb the area for comfort.
Periodontitis can often not be completely reversed, but with proper at-home care combined with in-office maintenance, we can help prevent the disease from progressing. It is important to regularly see us for a routine, professional cleaning and examination. Also, it is essential to keep up with your daily oral routine at home. Flossing is crucial to preventing periodontal disease. If you’ve noticed soreness, pain, or anything else making your teeth and mouth uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment. Reach out to our office by calling 248-354-1555 at your earliest convenience!