Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene practices and visiting Fundora My Dentist for an annual exam will help Dr. Fundora evaluate and prescribe which dental cleaning is best for your needs. Correctly scheduled dental cleanings can reverse gingival (gum) disease. If, however, you currently have or develop periodontal (bone and ligament) disease, our conservative treatment protocols will help manage your condition to prevent its devastating effects on your oral health. We are all about maintaining a lifetime of healthy smiles!
How Does Periodontal Disease Develop and Progress?
Periodontal disease usually results from poor oral hygiene practices. Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque bacteria left sitting in the mouth irritates the gums, causing inflammation and infection. Factors that increase the risk of periodontal disease include smoking, genetic predisposition, pregnancy, and the natural aging process.
The first signs of gingivitis, the mildest stage of periodontal disease, include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. As the condition progresses, the gum tissues start pulling away from the teeth, forming "pockets" that provide the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to flourish. Periodontal disease is an active process that involves the alveolar bone breaking down either locally or generally due to inflammation from bacterial biofilm accumulation.
Neglecting to treat periodontal disease promptly has a devastating effect on the underlying bone tissue. When the bone around the teeth becomes infected, the body tries to protect what's left of it by signaling for the tissues to recede. The result? Loose teeth and potential tooth loss and spreading of harmful bacteria throughout your body via your bloodstream.
How Does Periodontal Disease Impact Your Overall Health?
Periodontal disease is not only harmful to your oral health but can also impact your overall health and quality of life. Numerous studies show a link between the progressive condition and many health concerns, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and much more!
How Is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?
There are different stages to periodontal disease or periodontitis. Your trusted team at Fundora My Dentist will evaluate your unique condition and inform you of your specific diagnosis during your initial and periodic dental visits. A clinical exam and an evaluation of x-ray images will help determine the appropriate periodontal therapy for the best possible treatment outcomes.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
The first and most effective approach to treating and managing gum disease is a nonsurgical deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. The procedure entails cleaning above and below the gum tissue and removing bacterial toxins building over the tooth surfaces.
Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Fundora may recommend using local antibiotics, such as Arestin, along with your deep cleaning. That will help increase the chances of tissue healing during the recovery process. After treatment, we will reevaluate and document your progress to determine the best course of action from that point on.
It is important to note that not every patient responds the same way to periodontal therapies. That's why we fully customize our treatment plans and modify them as needed. If the condition does not respond well to traditional periodontal therapies, we may recommend a referral to a periodontist for further examination, evaluation, and treatment.
Periodontal Care Near Me
Contact Fundora My Dentist in Clearwater, FL, to learn more about our cutting-edge periodontal care for long-term healthy smiles. Our team is committed to providing our valued patients with outstanding services for the best possible treatment outcomes. Call us to schedule your appointment today!
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