Periodontal Care in Lewisville, TX
Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices and visiting Hillside Dental twice a year for your routine dental exams and cleanings are the most effective ways to keep your gums healthy and sound. If, however, you develop periodontal (gum) disease, you'll require a non-surgical deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing to manage your condition.
What Is Periodontal Disease and How Does It Develop?
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that can destroy the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, leading to loose teeth. In fact, the progressive condition is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
During every routine dental exam, we'll evaluate your gum health. Treating the onset of gum disease before it progresses is a priority. If you have red or swollen gums, even with no pain, or if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, make sure you seek help right away. These are signs of the early stages of gum disease called 'gingivitis".
If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into a more serious form of gum disease called "periodontitis." As the condition progresses, the gums may pull away from the teeth, you may suffer bone loss in the area, and your teeth may loosen or even fall out.
The first line of treatment is a procedure called scaling and root planing. The non-surgical deep cleaning has been shown to reverse gum disease when treated in its earliest stages.
Scaling is similar to what happens during routine dental cleaning. Our hygienist will use a dental instrument called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar deposits from around your gum line and in between those pearly whites. Next is root planing. That involves cleaning and smoothing out the tooth root surfaces to encourage the gums to heal and reattach to the healthy and clean tooth structure.
Depending on your unique needs, we may recommend medication to promote healing. In some advanced and severe cases, we may recommend surgical periodontal procedures.
After your deep cleaning, you'll need to return for follow-up maintenance appointments every 3-4 months. The process is called "Supportive Periodontal Therapy" (SPT). That helps prevent your gum disease from progressing and wreaking havoc on your oral health.
During your maintenance visits, our team will clean your teeth, evaluate your gum health and recession, and measure the depth of your periodontal pockets. An essential component of your periodontal maintenance plan is to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices, including regular tooth brushing and flossing. Our goal is to prevent the condition from progressing to keep your gums and jawbone healthy and sound.
Periodontal Care Near Me in Lewisville, TX
Visit Hillside Dental in Lewisville, TX, to learn more about preventing, treating, and managing periodontal disease. You can always count on Dr. Jeon and his experienced team for the highest level of care and service. We invite you to call our office to schedule your appointment or request one online today.