Clayton, MO

Periodontal Treatment Clayton, MO

Periodontal Treatment in Clayton, MO. Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, is a condition that affects many Americans. While cases can range from slight swelling to serious dental problems, it can affect the smile, comfort, and confidence of anyone who has it. If your gums have become irritated, daily tasks like eating are painful, or you are experiencing more serious issues like significant gaps between your teeth and gums, you need periodontal treatment in Clayton, MO. Plaza Dental Center has an amazing team that treats every patient as family to they feel comfortable when getting the care they need. For periodontal treatment in Clayton, MO, or just a standard cleaning with an expert dentist, get in touch with Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online.

Two Types of Gum Disease | Clayton, MO Periodontal Treatment

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of adults over 30 have periodontal disease, and the vast majority of adults over 65 suffer from it. Periodontal infections are classified in two distinct categories: gingivitis as it first starts, and periodontitis if it’s not treated:

1. Gingivitis — Gingivitis is a mild and common form of periodontal disease that is the result of plaque building up on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed through proper oral health care, it becomes tartar which is a hard calcified deposit that contributes to decay, and can only be removed by a dentist. If the tartar is allowed to accumulate, the gingiva, or the the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place, it causes inflammation, the condition known as gingivitis. Common symptoms of gingivitis include:
   • Redness
   • Swelling
   • Chronic bad breath
   • Receding gums
   • Sensitive gums
   • Painful chewing
   • New teeth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
   • Bleeding after brushing your teeth

   If you experience even one of those indicators, you need to seek out gingivitis treatment right away, or it could lead to significant dental problems in the future.

2. Periodontitis — Periodontitis is a significant gum disease that occurs when even more tartar and bacteria build up. This creating pockets between your teeth and gums where more bacteria will collect. If still left untreated, periodontitis can cause tooth loss and even damage to your jaw bone. Symptoms include:
   • Deep red gums
   • Gums that bleed easily
   • Gaps between your teeth and gums
   • Pus in your periodontal pockets
   • Loose teeth
   • Teeth falling out
   • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

   If you think you have periodontitis, find a qualified Clayton, MO dentist for periodontal treatment ASAP, and make an appointment for emergency dental services you are losing teeth or about to lose a tooth.

Periodontitis Risk Factors

For the most part, we can prevent gingivitis and other periodontal conditions ourselves. We can all make active decisions in our daily lives that lower the risk of having to seek out periodontal treatment. Known risk factors include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Not going to biannual dental cleanings
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Old age
• Dry mouth
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Conditions that decrease immunity
• Specific prescription drugs
• Genetics
• Certain viral or fungal infections
• Stress
• Teeth grinding

While we don’t have responsibility over every risk factor, good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing and twice yearly cleanings and polishings can prevent the vast majority of cases. Consistent dental examinations at a professional dental office will spot early warning signs and treat gingivitis before it worsens.

Periodontal Treatment for Gum Disease in Clayton, MO

While prevention and care often stave off gingivitis and periodontitis, sometimes something happens beyond our control. Once gum disease has developed, your Clayton, MO dentist may implement one or more of the following treatment methods:

• Antibiotics — In gum disease’s early stages, antibiotics are often a first recourse for non-invasive procedures. Antibiotics can be given with antiseptics applied where your teeth and gums or antiseptic mouthwash.
• Deep scaling and root planning — Tartar adheres most strongly to the hardest spots of the enamel on our teeth. Deep scaling involves using a laser to scrape below gums and remove tartar. Scaling can leave the tooth surface rough, so it is usually followed by root planning, which smooths tooth surfaces, which prevents further buildup and reduces post-scaling irritation.
• LANAP or Laser Assisted Regeneration — LANAP is a dental technology which uses a laser to to single out and remove damaged tissue and germs. Once the harmful tissue and bacteria is gone, your Clayton, MO dentist will use the laser again to connect gum tissue back to the root.
• Maxillofacial surgery — Commonly known as oral surgery, this can include osseous surgery, or pocket reduction surgery, to remove bacteria and diseased gum tissue, smooth any damaged bone, and stitches your gum back to the tooth. Other surgeries such as soft tissue grafts from the roof of your mouth to replace diseased tissue, or a bone graft if the bone at the root of your teeth has been destroyed.
• Other methods — Other methods can include guided tissue regeneration, which places an artificial membrane between the bone and tooth to prevent diseased tissue from touching the tooth and to allow it to grow back naturally. Your Clayton, MO dentist may also implement a special gel on damaged roots that stimulates the growth of healthy bone and tissue.
• Dental implants — If you’re seeking periodontal treatment because you’ve already lost a tooth, your dentist implement dental implants, which look, feel, and act just like natural teeth.

Plaza Dental Center’s Dr. Joseph Cutrona had the unique opportunity to deal with large, complex cases while pursuing his residency at the University of Michigan. This means he has extensive experience with all dental problems and procedures in Clayton, MO. Apprehensive patients are of particular concern to us. If you have serious gum disease partially caused by anxiety sitting in the dentist’s chair, we’ll do everything possible to make you feel comfortable so you can get the dental care you need.

See what other services we offer in Clayton, MO by clicking on the links below:

• Dental Emergency
• Gum Contouring
• Broken Tooth Repair
• Invisalign®
• Tooth Pain Relief
• Composite Fillings
• Tooth Pain
• Gingivitis Treatment
• Dentist Near Me

Clayton, MO Periodontal Treatment | Plaza Dental Center

Whether you’re in need of periodontal treatment to relieve redness and swelling and remove tartar, or need to completely restore your smile, Plaza Dental Centers dedicated, compassionate, and expert Clayton, MO team will get you smiling as you leave our office as soon as humanly possible. We want you to have a radiant smile and a healthy mouth that makes basic tasks comfortable. For the highest quality periodontal treatment in Clayton, MO, call Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or fill out our online form.