Periodontal Care Periodontics is an area of dentistry that focuses on the gum tissues and other supporting structures of teeth, along with the diseases and conditions that affect them. Advanced periodontal treatments require dentists to undergo special training and additional education.Many of our patients in the greater Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ, region don't realize the wide range of problems periodontics can treat. A periodontist can address: Gum DiseasePeriodontal disease is a common condition. The CDC estimates that almost half of U.S. adults over 30 suffer from some form of gum disease. Seeking treatment early can eliminate uncomfortable symptoms and prevent the need for restorative work. Gum RecessionGum recession can result from periodontal disease, bruxism, aging, brushing too aggressively, and a number of other factors. Our goals are to prevent further recession and rebuild the gumline with a soft tissue graft to improve oral health. A Gummy SmilePeriodontal treatments can improve your oral health and enhance your appearance. We can remove excess gum tissue to address a gummy smile or uneven gumline. This can lengthen your teeth and give your smile a more balanced appearance. Bone Loss in the JawUntreated periodontal disease and missing teeth can cause the jawbone to atrophy, or shrink, over time. We can perform a bone grafting procedure to supplement your bone tissue and restore your ability to receive dental implants. When Should I Seek Care?Look Out for These SymptomsDr. Terry Work has undergone hundreds of hours of additional education and training, many of which focused on diagnosing gum conditions and performing specialized periodontal procedures. While routine exams at our Scottsdale, AZ, practice are the best way to know if you need periodontal care, look out for some common signs that may indicate a periodontal problem: Gum InflammationA common indicator of periodontal disease is swelling of the gum tissues; the gums may also appear a darker red rather than a healthy pink color. Loose TeethMore advanced periodontal disease can cause teeth to feel loose as periodontal pockets form and the gum tissue detaches from the teeth. Chronic Bad BreathPersistent bad breath is a sign of gum disease. If left untreated, the infection will continue to damage the gum tissues and underlying structures. Gum SensitivityPlaque and bacteria can irritate the gums, causing ongoing discomfort. They become more sensitive to pressure and prone to bleeding. Receding GumsReceding gums can make the teeth appear longer, expose the tooth's roots, and contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. The Importance of Beginning Your Periodontal CareBaseline EvaluationOne of the most valuable aspects of care is getting patients started with their initial exam and periodontal measurements. We want a thorough baseline evaluation so we know where we are starting. A periodontist can more easily spot potential concerns by comparing the results of your routine exams to these initial measurements. This also helps us establish the best long-term plan for each patient. Patient EducationOften, patients don't realize the impact periodontal disease can have on their overall health. The team at Dental Works places special focus on patient education at the start of treatment, allowing patients to take an active role in their dental care. Individuals who are aware of the signs and consequences of periodontal disease tend to take better preventative action. Rob Enjoys Better Periodontal HealthRob was experiencing painful symptoms due to gum disease. Dr. Mary Ann Work identified the cause and developed a personalized treatment plan to restore his oral health. Rob enjoys the friendly, efficient, and pain-free care he receives at Dental Works. Diagnosing Periodontal ConditionsLike a periodontist, during each routine checkup, we will carefully examine your mouth for signs of periodontal issues. Identifying periodontitis may involve: Reviewing Your Medical HistorySpeak to a periodontist about any symptoms you have noticed or any conditions that may run in your family. Other factors that can contribute to dry mouth and periodontitis include your medications and lifestyle choices, like smoking. Oral Exam and Periodontic AnalysisA periodontist will look for visible symptoms of periodontal disease before performing specific tests designed to reveal the extent of the condition. Measuring the pocket depth of the space between the tooth and gumline is a good indication of gum health, as well as the severity of plaque buildup and gum bleeding. X-RaysPeriodontal disease causes the loss of bone and tissue around a tooth. If a periodontist believes you may have gum disease, x-rays will be taken to check for bone loss. How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?While we emphasize the importance of preventive care, we also offer procedures to address gum disease. At our Scottsdale, AZ, practice, we can restore oral health with different surgical and non-surgical procedures. Non-SurgicalWhen gum disease is caught early, we can recommend non-surgical periodontic techniques. Our practice offers PerioProtect® treatment, which delivers medication deep within the gumline, to areas that your toothbrush and mouthwash can't reach. The treatment involves the use of custom-designed trays that fit snugly on your dental arches. We also perform scaling and root planing treatments. Scaling will remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums with laser technology; root planing smooths the root surfaces, discouraging further bacterial buildup. SurgicalAdvanced periodontal disease may require surgical treatment. One option is tissue grafting to fill in a receding gumline. The tissue is taken from a donor site and transplanted to the gumline to cover exposed roots and prevent further recession. To treat jawbone atrophy, a bone graft can be performed. This dental procedure can rebuild the bone tissue around the tooth root to prevent tooth loss or restore your ability to receive dental implants if you have missing teeth. Advanced TechnologyPeriodontic DentistryPeriodontics takes advantage of modern dental technology to help diagnose and treat gum conditions. At Dental Works, we use lasers to make our procedures safer and more comfortable. Laser therapy is less invasive than traditional forms of treatment, allowing patients to recover faster with less post-procedure discomfort. Have You Noticed Signs of Gum Disease?Call for a ConsultationAre you seeing signs of periodontitis? If so, it's important to make an appointment with the dentists at Dental Works in Scottsdale as soon as possible. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of avoiding irreversible damage. Call (480) 360-7529 today! If the early form of gum disease, gingivitis, is left untreated, it will turn into periodontitis, a more severe form located in deep pockets where a toothbrush and floss cannot reach. As the disease advances, it can loosen teeth and cause them to fall out. Unfortunately, gum disease is hard to detect by the untrained eye, which is why regular dental checkups are so important. If you have missed your regular checkups or notice symptoms of gum disease, such as seeing blood in the sink after you brush your teeth, request a consultation. Early intervention can help halt the progression of the disease. |
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