A healthy smile means more than having white teeth; it means having strong and healthy gums. However, problems with gum health often go unnoticed at first, leading to tooth loss and negative impacts on your overall health. This is why periodontal care in Cumming & Sandy Springs is so valuable in protecting both your oral health and your overall health.
What is Periodontal Care and Why is it Key?
Periodontal care has to do with supporting the health of your gums and the tissues that support your teeth. When plaque and bacteria accumulate below the gumline, they can induce inflammation, infection, and, eventually, tissue and bone damage.
Without care, gum disease occurs and progresses:
- Gingivitis—Red, swollen, or bleeding gums while brushing or flossing your teeth.
- Periodontitis—A Deeper infection that begins to infect the actual tissue and bone.
- Advanced periodontitis – Severe gum and bone loss, sometimes resulting in loose teeth or tooth loss.
This highlights why early treatment is critical to saving your smile.
How Does Periodontal Disease Treatment Work?
Once you develop gum disease, you must be treated by a professional. Most periodontal disease treatment includes:
- Scaling and root planing—a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar that is under the gumline.
- An antibacterial rinse or medication will help control the infection.
- Some continued maintenance—regular appointments to restore and keep gums healthy.
The goal is to stop the disease and allow the gums to heal.
What are the Signs to See a Dentist?
Gum disease is often mild in the beginning, but there are signs you should never ignore! If you observe any of the following, you need to visit a dentist near you:
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that have receded enough to make your teeth appear longer.
- Loose teeth or changes in the way your bite feels.
- Swollen or tender gums.
- Paying attention to signs early makes treatment much easier and more effective.
Where Can You Find Periodontal Care?
If you’re looking for the right periodontal care near you, the great news is that many dental offices provide comprehensive services to maintain your gum health. These services are designed to keep your teeth strong and maintain gum health with as few visits as possible.
You want to find a dental practice that treats you but also provides education and prevention with cleanings and regular visits.
Why Would You Visit a Periodontist for Advanced Care?
There are times when gum disease requires more complicated treatments or procedures. If your periodontal disease is more involved, a periodontist near you may offer procedures like gum grafting, pocket or periodontal surgical therapy, and bone regeneration. These procedures will help restore your gum health and help protect your teeth from being lost to periodontal disease.
What are Deep Cleanings for Gums, and How Will They Help?
A deep cleaning for gums, also known as scaling and root planing, is one of the most common and effective services for gum disease. A deep cleaning is different than a regular cleaning because it has to go below the gum line to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
The following are the benefits of getting a deep cleaning:
- Reduced gum inflammation
- Reduce gum recession
- Fresh breath
- Better protection for the bone and tissue
The goal for a deep cleaning is to restore gum health and maintain fewer serious issues in the future.
Pinewood Dentistry—Protecting Your Gums, Protecting Your Smile
Your gums should receive the same level of care as your teeth because they act as the framework for your smile. At Pinewood Dentistry, we take gum health seriously, and we want to assist our patients in taking care of their gums through preventive care, education, and service plans. We see patients for basic cleanings to advanced gum disease care; our team is here to help you beyond measure to get your mouth back to health.
Please don’t wait until your gums have progressed—get started today by scheduling your appointment at Pinewood Dentistry so you can love your smile again.
FAQs:
1. Can gum disease get better by itself?
No, gum disease can not get better without treatment. To prevent gum disease from getting worse, both professional care and proper home maintenance are required.
2. How often should I get a gum check?
Most people should get a gum check every time they visit a dentist, which is typically every six months. If you have gum issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent check-ups.
3. Is deep cleaning uncomfortable?
Deep cleaning is usually performed with numbing, so patients will feel little to no discomfort during the process. Patients may also experience mild tenderness afterwards, but it typically goes away quickly.