Periodontal Treatment Shrewsbury, MO
Periodontal Treatment in Shrewsbury, MO. Periodontal disease, the technical term for gum disease, is is a common, yet serious condition. While it can cause anything from mild redness to tooth and bone loss, it can affect the smile, comfort, and confidence of anyone who has it. If you notice any redness, basic tasks like brushing your teeth are painful, or you are experiencing more serious issues like significant gaps between your teeth and gums, it is time to seek periodontal treatment in Shrewsbury, MO. Plaza Dental Center is comprised of a caring and friendly staff that treats every patient as if they were part of our family to ensure a positive experience. For periodontal treatment in Shrewsbury, MO, or just a regular cleaning with a welcoming dentist, call Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online.
Two Types of Gum Disease | Shrewsbury, MO Periodontal Treatment
According to data from the CDC, almost half of adults older than 30 have some form of gum disease, and 70.1% of seniors suffer from it. Periodontal infections are viewed through two different stages: gingivitis in its initial form, and periodontitis if the disease is allowed to progress:
- Gingivitis — Gingivitis is a mild and common form of periodontal disease that is the result of plaque building up on your teeth. If you do not practice good oral health and remove the plaque, it becomes tartar which collects and protects more bacteria. As more and more tartar builds up, the gingiva, or the part of the gums at the base of the teeth, it causes inflammation, leading to the gum disease known as gingivitis. Common symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums
- Sensitive gums
- Painful chewing
- New teeth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Bleeding after brushing your teeth
If you are dealing with even one of those indicators, you need to seek out gingivitis treatment right away, or it could lead to major dental problems in the future.
- Periodontitis — Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that occurs when gingivitis is not treated. 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
At the first sign of periodontitis, find a qualified Shrewsbury, MO dentist for periodontal treatment as soon as possible, and make an appointment for emergency dental procedures if a tooth is loose or falls out.
Periodontitis Risk Factors
The onset of gingivitis and other periodontal conditions is not arbitrary. We can all make active decisions in our daily lives that lower the risk of needing periodontal treatment. Associated risk factors include:
- Poor oral care habits
- Not going to regular dental cleanings
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Old age
- Dry mouth
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Conditions that compromise immunity
- Specific medications
- Genetics
- Certain viral or fungal infections
- Stress
- Teeth grinding
While some risk factors are beyond our control, basic dental health habits such as brushing and flossing and regular cleanings and polishings will usually not allow gingivitis to occur. Regular dental examinations at a professional dental office will spot early warning signs and treat gingivitis before it worsens.
Periodontal Treatment Methods in Shrewsbury, MO
While prevention and care often stave off periodontal conditions, sometimes something happens beyond our control. Once gum disease has developed, your Shrewsbury, MO dentist may implement one or more of the following treatments:
- Antibiotics — In gum disease’s early stages, antibiotics are usually the easiest and least invasive approach. Antibiotics can be applied with topical gels applied between your teeth and gums or prescription mouthwash.
- Deep scaling and root planning — Tartar adheres the most to the rough spots of our teeth. In deep scaling, an ultrasonic scaler is used to scrape below gums and remove tartar. After deep scaling, your dentist will perform root planning, which smooths tooth surfaces, promoting proper healing.
- 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. Once the harmful tissue and bacteria is gone, your Shrewsbury, MO dentist will use the laser again to create a seal around the tooth which allows healthy tissue to grow back undisturbed.
- Maxillofacial surgery — Also called oral surgery, some procedures may include osseous surgery, a procedure that removes damages tissue and encloses the gum back around the tooth. Other surgeries such as soft tissue grafts from the roof of your mouth to replace damaged tissue, or a bone graft if your roots or jaw bone have been damaged.
- Other treatment options — Other treatment options can include guided tissue regeneration, which stimulates the growth of bone destroyed by gum disease. Your Shrewsbury, MO dentist may also implement a topical 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, we 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 early on in his dental education. This means he is capable of treating anything from mild gingivitis to significant bone loss in his periodontal treatment in Shrewsbury, MO. Anxious 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 Shrewsbury, 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
Shrewsbury, MO Periodontal Treatment | Plaza Dental Center
Whether you’re looking for periodontal treatment for mild or significant symptoms, Plaza Dental Centers committed, empathetic, and expert Shrewsbury, MO team will get you smiling as you walk out the door as soon as humanly possible. Everyone deserves a smile they feel confident with, and a healthy mouth that makes basic tasks pain-free. To make an appointment with the leaders of Shrewsbury, MO periodontal treatment, call Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or fill out our online form.