Periodontal Health
Phoenix, AZ
 At Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona we specialize in periodontics, which is the branch of dentistry focusing on the health of the gums. The health and cleanliness of your teeth are important, but your gum tissue is as well. Without the support of healthy gum tissue, your teeth can prematurely start to erode and decay. This is why it is so important to understand the importance of the health of your gums.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also commonly known as gum disease, is a serious health condition that occurs when bacteria are allowed to grow in your mouth, especially on your gums. If left untreated, the disease can even cause the loss of your teeth. Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona is here to help you protect your gums from periodontal disease.
The Causes of Periodontal Disease
The most common cause of periodontal disease is inadequate oral hygiene. This means not brushing, flossing, and otherwise caring for your teeth and gums like the American Dental Association recommends. By not brushing, especially in hard-to-reach places, dangerous tartar builds up, weakening your gums and creating pockets between your gums and the roots of your teeth. Conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and immune conditions can all increase periodontal risk. Smoking also greatly increases the risk of periodontal disease.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
While periodontal disease can start out benign enough, it can quickly worsen. Often, periodontal disease is preceded by gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums, but this is not always the case. When periodontal disease first sets in, the gums will begin to recede. It is at this stage that you will likely notice bleeding when you brush. As periodontal disease gets worse, so does the bleeding and discomfort. Your teeth will begin to loosen as the pockets between your gums and roots expand. The most advanced form of the disease usually ends with the loss of teeth as your gums are completely destroyed. Even simply eating will cause severe pain.
Identifying the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
It is important that you be able to notice the early warning signs of periodontal disease so you can make an appointment with us at once. Among the most common signs are tender, sensitive gums prone to bleeding when you brush. You may notice your gums receding, and chronic bad breath can also become a problem. If you notice loose teeth then this may be a sign of advancing gum disease, and you should call to make an appointment immediately.
How We Treat Periodontal Disease
The best way to both prevent and treat periodontal disease, aside from maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day, is coming in for your biannual cleanings. Only professional periodontal cleanings can eradicate that buildup of erosive tartar in hard-to-reach places. Scaling and root planing are two common methods we use for mild periodontal disease. When treating more advanced gum disease we may use either surgical or non-surgical means, including flap surgery, perioscopy (find out if it's right for you here), crown lengthening, and grafting.
Protect Your Gums Today!
The consequences of periodontal disease can be devastating, but they do not have to be. With twice annual cleanings and a proactive home regimen, you can keep your gums healthy and strong so that you never have to worry about periodontal disease. To learn more about preventing gum disease, or to find out how we can help treat it with gum disease treatment, give Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona a call today at (480) 504-0506 to schedule a consultation!
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