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Woodson Terrace, MO

Periodontal Treatment Woodson Terrace, MO

Periodontal Treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO. Periodontal disease, medically referred to as gum disease, is a common condition. While cases can range from slight swelling to tooth and bone loss, it can affect our daily lives and limit how much we want to smile. If you notice your gums receding, basic activities like brushing your teeth lead to bleeding, or you are experiencing more serious issues like loose teeth, you need periodontal treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO. Plaza Dental Center is comprised of a caring and friendly staff that treats everyone who walks through our doors as if they were part of our family in order to break down barriers for apprehensive patients. For periodontal treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO, or just a regular examination with an expert dentist, call Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online.

Periodontal Treatment Woodson Terrace, MO | Gingivitis Treatment | Dental Office Near Woodson Terrace | Plaza Dental Center

Stages of Periodontal Disease | Woodson Terrace, MO Periodontal Treatment

According to data compiled by the CDC, 47.2% of adults over 30 suffer from some form of gum disease, and the vast majority of adults over 65 suffer from it. Periodontal infections are viewed through two distinct categories: gingivitis in its mild form, 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 you do not practice good oral health and remove the plaque, 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 not removed, the gingiva, or the part of the gums at the base of the teeth, it causes inflammation, the condition known as gingivitis. Warning signs include:
    • Redness
    • Swelling
    • Bad Breath that won’t go away
    • Receding gums
    • Sensitive gums
    • Pain when eating
    • New teeth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
    • Bleeding when brushing

    If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important to seek out gingivitis treatment right away, or it could lead to significant dental problems in the future.

  2. Periodontitis — Periodontitis is a significant dental problem that occurs when gingivitis is not treated. This creates gaps between your teeth and gums, called periodontal pockets, which becomes a safe have for more bacteria to collect and grow. If you do not immediately seek periodontal treatment, 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 between your teeth and gums
    • Wobbly 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 Woodson Terrace, MO dentist for periodontal treatment as soon as possible, and call Plaza Dental Center for emergency dental services if a tooth is loose or falls out.

Periodontal Treatment Woodson Terrace, MO | Gingivitis Treatment | Dental Office Near Woodson Terrace

Periodontitis Risk Factors

For the most part, we can prevent gingivitis and other periodontal conditions ourselves. We can make a decision to lower the risk of having to seek out periodontal treatment. Certain risk factors include:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Lack of regular professional dental care
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Old age
  • Dry mouth
  • Poor nutrition
  • Diseases that decrease immunity
  • Certain prescription drugs
  • Genetics
  • Certain viral or fungal infections
  • Stress
  • Teeth grinding

While some risk factors are beyond our control, simple and practical steps such as brushing and flossing and consistent cleanings and polishings will usually not allow gingivitis to occur. Biannual dental examinations at a professional dentist office will catch gingivitis in its early stages.

Periodontal Treatment Methods in Woodson Terrace, MO

While prevention and care often stave off gum disease, sometimes something happens beyond our control. Once gum disease has progressed, there are a variety of treatment options your Woodson Terrace, MO dentist can pursue depending on the severity of the disease:

  • Antibiotics — When prevention fails, antibiotics are usually a first recourse for non-invasive procedures. Antibiotics can be applied with antiseptics applied between your teeth and gums or prescription mouthwash.
  • Deep scaling and root planning Tartar sticks the most to the hardest spots of the enamel on our teeth. Deep scaling refers to a dentist removing plaque and tartar from the periodontal pocket with a laser or ultrasonic scaler. Scaling can leave the tooth surface rough, so it is usually followed by root planning, which smooths tooth surfaces, promoting proper healing.
  • LANAP or Laser Assisted Regeneration LANAP is a dental technology which uses a laser to to single out and remove damaged tissue and germs. After exploding and removing damaged tissue, your Woodson Terrace, 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. Your dentist may also perform soft tissue grafts from the roof of your mouth to replace damaged tissue, or a bone graft to restore lost bone.
  • Other treatment options — Other treatment options can include guided tissue regeneration, which places an artificial membrane between the bone and tooth to prevent diseased tissue from touching the tooth and encourage the body’s natural healing process. Your Woodson Terrace, 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, we implement dental implants, which look, feel, and act just like natural teeth.


Our lead dentist Dr. Joseph Cutrona had the unique opportunity to deal with substantial dental problems while doing 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 Woodson Terrace, 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 ensure you feel calm, confident, and comfortable so you can get the dental care you need.

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

Woodson Terrace, MO Periodontal Treatment | Plaza Dental Center

Whether you’re looking for periodontal treatment to relieve irritation and prevent further buildup, or need serious dental work done, Plaza Dental Centers committed, friendly, and capable Woodson Terrace, 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. To schedule an appointment with the leaders of Woodson Terrace, MO periodontal treatment, call Plaza Dental today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.