The importance of dental hygiene and periodontal treatments
The importance of dental hygiene and periodontal treatments
Keeping your smile healthy is more than just maintaining a beautiful smile—it also helps keep issues such as tooth decay and periodontal disease from causing irreversible damage! Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is a condition that can significantly change the smile due to bone, tissue, and tooth loss. Drs. Gary and Scott Pearl at Pearl Dental Care in Hamden, Connecticut, can educate patients on the importance of dental hygiene habits and diagnosing and treating periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Also called periodontitis or gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection that can wreak havoc on the smile. The condition starts in the gum tissues and harbors bacteria in pockets that develop between gums and teeth. Without appropriate treatment, the bacteria multiply and cause the gum tissues to shrink, the jawbone to deteriorate, and ultimately the loss of natural, adult teeth. This condition is entirely preventable with proper dental hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and routine dental appointments.
Does gingivitis have a cure?
The earliest stage of periodontitis is called gingivitis and is characterized by bleeding, swollen gum tissues. When caught in this early stage, patients can reverse the condition. Otherwise, advancement can result in the formation of late-stage periodontitis, which can be much more difficult to manage.
Why is dental hygiene crucial?
Maintaining a healthy smile also helps keep a healthy body, as the oral-systemic connection shows that periodontal disease causes bacteria to enter the bloodstream. That carries it to other parts of the body and can contribute to other medical problems such as strokes and heart disease. The team at Pearl Dental Care will educate patients on keeping dental hygiene up to par to ensure healthy smiles for life!
Support Healthy Gums for a Healthy Smile and Healthy Body
Untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss and may even be linked to systemic health issues like heart disease. Don’t ignore bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease. Schedule a visit to Pearl Dental Care in Hamden, CT, today.
Periodontal disease treatment options
Periodontal Disease is also known as Periodontitis or “gum disease.” If you have signs of gum disease, it is essential to see your dentist and start treatment as early as possible to minimize damage to your gums, teeth, and jawbone. Signs of gum disease are swollen gums, painful gums or teeth, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and bad breath. At Pearl Dental Care, we offer several treatment options designed to halt the progression of gum disease and treat the underlying infection. Our dental team will perform a thorough evaluation of your gums to determine the best treatment choices for your specific needs, which may include:
- More frequent professional cleanings: In its early stage (gingivitis), gum disease is reversible, and, in some cases, diligent home care and increased frequency of professional cleanings are all that is needed to restore health to your gums.
- Scaling in the presence of gingival inflammation: A thorough cleaning above and below the gumline for gingivitis.
- Scaling and root planing: Also called “deep cleanings,” this non-surgical periodontal disease procedure is performed to remove calculus and bacteria from above and below the gum line (in periodontal pockets). After cleaning the area, the tooth root is smoothed out to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
- Osseous surgery: Also called “pocket reduction surgery,” this treatment is performed to reduce the size of periodontal pockets that have developed in your gums and may be recommended if you have periodontal pockets that have become very deep. Our treatment for the most advanced periodontal disease cases.
- Perio Protect: A minimally invasive treatment option that uses patented, customized trays that deliver prescription medication deep into the gum tissues to fight disease-causing bacteria, cleanse periodontal pockets, and freshen your breath. The trays are worn for just minutes each day in the comfort of your home and can be used as a stand-alone treatment option or as a supplement to other gum disease therapies.
ACTUAL PATIENTS BEFORE AND AFTER STORIES FOR PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS
Periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the gum and bone around teeth. Plaque tartar, and bacteria cause an autoimmune reaction that leads to bone and eventually tooth loss. At Pearl Dental Care we treat periodontal disease every day. Many textbooks and clinicians are skeptical of the prospect of regrowing bone when traditional periodontal surgery techniques are used. Periodontal surgery can lead to recession in fact. These images show bone loss between #’s 6 and 7 and then the one year follow up follow up showing beautiful bone regrowth and no recession. We accomplished this without any bone grafting or membranes. How did we do this? By following a very thorough disinfection protocol and utilizing a laser. Saving teeth is our greatest joy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Gum Therapy
Is gum disease contagious?
You can’t catch periodontal disease the same way you can catch a cold. However, the bacteria that cause gum disease can be transmitted through saliva. That means sharing utensils, toothbrushes, drinks, or even kissing can transfer harmful bacteria.
Being exposed to these bacteria does not mean you automatically get gum disease. However, it increases your risk. Good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings help keep those bacteria in check.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Our goal is for all treatment to be pain-free. Your comfort is our priority. We use gentle techniques and, where needed, we use powerful anesthetics to keep the area numb throughout the procedure. You may feel pressure during treatment, but not pain. However, we understand some patients may need a little help to remain comfortable. We offer several sedation options to ensure a stress-free dental experience.
How does gum disease affect systemic health?
There is a close link between your mouth and body. Without treatment, harmful bacteria can seep into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of systemic conditions like heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Treating gum disease isn’t just about your smile; it’s about your overall well-being.
Does treating gum disease always involve surgery?
No. We can treat many cases without surgery. Our office offers non-surgical options, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), which are often highly effective. We also like Perio Protect. We recommend surgical options, including gum flap surgery and gum grafting, when the damage is severe. While surgery is an option, we always start with the least invasive approach.
Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?
In many cases, yes. Most dental insurance plans cover part of periodontal treatment, especially when it’s medically necessary. However, coverage varies by plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits. We’ll also discuss how to make treatment affordable with financing options like CareCredit.
Is gum disease preventable?
Yes, the right steps can help protect your smile from gum disease. Here are simple but effective tips to prevent gum disease.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush twice daily
- Clean between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental brush
- Quit tobacco products, including smoking, chewing, and vaping
- Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist
- Manage any immune-suppressing conditions, such as diabetes
- Maintain a dental-friendly diet and limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks
If you are a parent, it’s important to avoid putting spoons and dummies in your mouth before giving them to your child. This prevents the transfer of harmful bacteria to your child.
Where can I get gum disease treatment near me in Hamden, CT?
Gum disease can have serious effects on your health. However, it’s possible to manage and even prevent it with proper periodontal care. Ready to achieve optimal gum health? Call (203) 285-8245 and schedule an appointment with Pearl Dental Care, serving Hamden, New Haven, Woodbridge, Cheshire, Wallingford, and the nearby areas. Taking the right steps to protect your gums can maintain optimal oral health for many years.
Actual Patients Before and After Results
All-on-X implants. The patient initially had no teeth and wore conventional loose dentures. 6 implants were placed for the upper and 7 for the lower and fixed implant bridges were fabricated.
