Periodontal Treatment Ferguson, MO
Periodontal Treatment in Ferguson, MO. Periodontal disease, the technical term for gum disease, is a condition that affects many Americans. While it can cause anything from mild discomfort to serious dental problems, it can affect the smile, comfort, and confidence of anyone who has it. If your gums have become irritated, basic tasks like eating are painful, or you are experiencing more serious issues like loose teeth, do not wait to get periodontal treatment in Ferguson, MO. Plaza Dental Center is comprised of a caring and friendly staff that treats everyone who walks through our doors as family to they feel comfortable when getting the care they need. For periodontal treatment in Ferguson, MO, or just a regular examination with a welcoming dentist, get in touch with Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment online.
Two Types of Gum Disease | Ferguson, MO Periodontal Treatment
According to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontal disease affects just under half of adults older than 30, and almost three-quarters of adults over 65 suffer from it. Periodontal infections are classified in two distinct stages: gingivitis as it first starts, and periodontitis if you don’t seek treatment in a timely fashion:
- Gingivitis — Gingivitis happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and where your teeth meet your gums. If you do not follow good oral health and remove the plaque, it becomes tartar which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. If the tartar is not removed, the gingiva, or the the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place, it causes inflammation, leading to the gum disease known as gingivitis. Warning signs include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums
- Sore gums
- Painful chewing
- New teeth sensitivity to temperature in your mouth
- Blood on your toothbrush
If you are dealing with even one of those indicators, don’t wait to get gingivitis treatment, or it could lead to significant dental problems down the line.
- Periodontitis — Periodontitis is a significant gum disease that occurs when the bacteria which tartar collects and protects spreads deeper into your gums. This creating pockets between your teeth and gums where more bacteria will collect. If still left untreated, periodontitis can damage surrounding tissue, including bone and tooth loss. 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, reach out to a Ferguson, MO dentist for periodontal treatment immediately, and call Plaza Dental Center for emergency dental procedures you are losing teeth or about to lose a tooth.
Periodontitis Risk Factors
For the most part, it’s possible to prevent gingivitis and other periodontal disease ourselves. We can all practice good oral health that will lower the risk of having to seek out periodontal treatment. Associated risk factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Not going to regular dental examinations
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Old age
- Xerostomia
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Diseases that decrease immunity
- Specific prescription drugs
- DNA
- Certain viral or fungal infections
- Stress
- Teeth grinding
While some risk factors are beyond our control, good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing and biannually cleanings and polishings go a long way in preventing gum disease by removing harmful bacteria and plaque that cause it. Consistent dental examinations at a professional dentist office will spot early warning signs and treat gingivitis before it worsens.
Periodontal Treatment for Gum Disease in Ferguson, MO
While prevention and care often stave off gingivitis and periodontitis, sometimes something happens beyond our control. Once gum disease has developed, your Ferguson, MO dentist may implement one or more of the following treatment methods:
- Antibiotics — In gingivitis’s early stages, antibiotics are usually a first recourse for non-invasive procedures. Antibiotics can be given with topical gels applied on your periodontal pockets or prescription mouthwash.
- Deep scaling and root planning — Tartar sticks most strongly to tooth roots. Deep scaling involves using a laser to scrape below gums and remove tartar. After deep scaling, your dentist will perform 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 target and remove diseased tissue and kill germs while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. After exploding and removing damaged tissue, your Ferguson, MO dentist will use use a different laser to reduce the gap between your teeth and gums.
- Maxillofacial surgery — The technical term for oral surgery, some procedures may include osseous surgery, a procedure that removes damages tissue and connects the gingiva back to the tooth. Your dentist may also perform soft tissue grafts from either a donation or another part of your mouth to replace damaged gums, or a bone graft if your roots or jaw bone have been damaged.
- Other treatment options — Other treatment options may be guided tissue regeneration, which stimulates the growth of bone destroyed by gum disease. Your Ferguson, MO dentist may also use a special gel on a diseased tooth root that stimulates the growth of healthy bone and tissue.
- Dental implants — If part of your periodontal treatment includes replacing lost teeth, we implement dental implants, which look, feel, and act just like natural teeth.
Our lead dentist Dr. Joseph Cutrona was met with large, complex cases while pursuing his residency at the University of Michigan. This means he is capable of treating anything from mild gingivitis to significant bone loss in his periodontal treatment in Ferguson, MO. Apprehensive patients are of particular concern to us. If your gingivitis progressed partially because you were wary of the dentist’s chair, we’ll do everything possible to make you feel comfortable so you can get back to optimum dental health.
See what other services we offer in Ferguson, 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
Ferguson, MO Periodontal Treatment | Plaza Dental Center
Whether you’re looking for periodontal treatment to relieve irritation and remove tartar, or need serious dental work done, Plaza Dental Centers dedicated, compassionate, and capable Ferguson, MO team will get you smiling as you leave our office in no time. We want you to have a radiant smile and a healthy mouth that makes things like chewing and brushing comfortable. To make an appointment with the leaders of Ferguson, MO periodontal treatment, call Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or fill out our online form.