Periodontal Treatment Specialist

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal, or gum, disease is an infection that affects your gums and the tissue that holds your teeth in place. Periodontal disease is caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar. 

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that’s typically removed with daily brushing and flossing. When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed with professional treatment. 

Eventually, a build-up of plaque and tartar leads to periodontal disease, or an infection that damages your teeth, gums, and bone. 

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Teeth sensitivity
• Swollen gums
• Loose teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Painful chewing

Over time, periodontal disease destroys the tissue and bone that support your teeth, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss. Periodontal treatment is designed to treat infection and restore the health and appearance of your gums. 

What is periodontal treatment?

Periodontal treatment refers to a number of techniques used to address your infection and restore the function and appearance of your gums. Dr. Pavlov performs a number of effective periodontal treatments using the minimally invasive Waterlase dental laser. Waterlase combines laser energy with a spray of water to minimize discomfort and recovery time. 

If you suffer from minor gum disease, Dr. Pavlov uses the Waterlase laser to comfortably remove plaque and tartar from your gum line. He then uses antibiotics to help control your infection. 

If your gum disease is more advanced, you may require surgical treatment like flap surgery or a bone or tissue graft. Dr. Pavlov works with you to determine the right periodontal treatment for your condition. 

How can I prevent gum disease?

Periodontal disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams are the best way to prevent gum disease and avoid serious complications like loose or missing teeth. 

You can keep plaque and tartar under control by brushing and flossing daily. Early detection is key to successfully treating periodontal disease, so make sure to keep up with your routine dentist visits. 

To find out if you need periodontal treatment, call Arden Dental Services or book an appointment online today.