Periodontal Therapy

Brooklyn, MI

Our Services

Did you know that periodontal or gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults? At Ross Family Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of treating and managing gum disease to prevent its impacts on your oral and overall health. We invite you to contact our Brooklyn, MI, practice to discover how periodontal therapy can safeguard your smile.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that damages the gums, bone, and connective tissues that keep your teeth firmly in place. The main cause of gum disease is inadequate oral hygiene. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can harden to tartar if not removed by daily brushing and flossing, irritating the gums and leading to inflammation. Additional risk factors for periodontal disease include age, genetics, smoking, diabetes, and hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis if not treated. As the condition advances, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, resulting in gum recession and the creation of deep spaces known as periodontal pockets. In its advanced stages, gum disease can break down the structures that support the teeth, leading to bone loss, loose teeth, and, eventually, tooth loss. Aside from your oral health, studies have shown a link between periodontal disease and health concerns, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pneumonia.

What Are Common Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:

Red, puffy, and tender gums
Bleeding gums when you brush and floss
Persistent bad breath
Discomfort when you bite or chew
Receding gums that result in longer-looking teeth
Pus around the teeth and gums
Loose teeth and tooth loss

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

If you have signs of gum disease, we typically recommend a deep dental cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. We start by removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line using our innovative ultrasonic scaler. Next is root planing, which is the process of smoothing out rough spots on the root surfaces to help the gum heal and reattach to the clean surfaces of your teeth.

After your scaling and root planing treatment, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance visits every 3-4 months. We will thoroughly clean your teeth, measure the depth of your periodontal pockets, and intervene whenever needed to maintain your gum health. It’s also imperative that you practice excellent home oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash.

What Are the Benefits of Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy offers many benefits, including the following:

Reversing Gingivitis: Scaling and root planing have been shown to reverse gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
Maintaining Your Gum Health: If your gum disease has progressed, it cannot be reversed but can be successfully managed to prevent further damage to the structures supporting your teeth.
Preserving Your Natural Teeth: Maintaining your gum health helps prevent bone and tooth loss, preserving your complete smile.
Relieving Pain or Sensitivity: Restoring your gum health helps soothe tender, inflamed gums and reduce discomfort when eating, brushing, or flossing.
Boosting Your Overall Health: If not treated, bacteria from gum disease can make their way into your bloodstream and affect vital organs such as your heart or lungs.
Maintaining a Healthy Smile: Maintaining healthy gums and preserving your teeth will ensure you continue enjoying a healthy, beautiful smile.