What Are Periodontal Services?

Author Mollie Sherman

Posted Jan 16, 2023

Reads 40

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When it comes to maintaining the health of your teeth, gum, and mouth overall there is nothing more important than periodontal services. Periodontal services are an integral part of preventive dentistry and ideal for those who want to maintain a good oral health care routine.

Periodontal treatment offers multiple procedures that primarily focus on issues related to gums and jaw bone structure. These treatments help battle serious infections caused by gum disease, which directly affects your overall oral health. Keeping up with regular periodontal care can lead to healthier gums and even improve the appearance of tender or discolored teeth from plaque build up around the gum line.

In addition to standard cleanings done during a typical dentist visit, periodontal services also includes dental hygiene measures such as scaling and root planing as well as more extensive surgical treatments such as flap surgery, pocket reduction surgery or tissue regeneration depending on how advanced the gum disease may be.

For patients suffering from deep pockets in their gums or those who have moderate-to-severe cases of dental decay (periodontitis), they will be referred over to a periodontist – a specialist exclusively focused on treating diseases related to dental implants too! It is recommended that individuals maintain at least one check-up where they receive full periodontal service every 6 months in order keep healthy overall world record hold! Doing so will ensure any existing issues are treated immediately while preventing any further damage caused by undetected problems that could’ve otherwise gone unnoticed had someone not take step towards proper oral maintenance earlier!

What types of treatments are used in periodontal care?

Periodontal care, or gum disease treatment, is an incredibly important component of overall oral health. It often begins with a dental exam and a thorough cleaning. This is to eliminate the plaque and tartar buildup that can cause tooth decay and gum inflammation. Afterward, treatments are used to target the root causes of periodontal disease such as infection and bone loss.

The main types of treatments used in periodontal care depend on the extent of the disease and your overall goal for treatment; either for prevention or restoration. The most common treatments are scaling/root planing, deep cleaning (also called “root debridement”), topical medications, laser therapy, gum surgery, antibiotics or antimicrobials (such as metronidazole).

Scaling/Root Planing involves removing plaque and calculus from below the gums using specialized scalers excavators covered with freshly sharpened burs tools which are inserted into pockets between teeth and along root surfaces. This helps to reduce inflammation by removing bacteria found in these areas that can be hard to reach during traditional brushing alone. Deep cleanings involve scraping away layers of bacteria-covered tissue known as biofilm located below the gums which may require local anesthesia due to its invasive nature.

Topical medications such as antibiotic ointment will help fight bacterial infection while laser therapy is designed to help stimulate circulation in affected areas promoting faster healing times throughout treatment phases resulting in a healthier smile overall after completing your periodontal plan with your dentist.. Gum surgeries may also be used if necessary; this includes procedures like flap surgeries wherein underlying diseased/affected tissue is extracted along with associated debris buildup then closed using sutures afterward.. Lastly antibiotics & antimicrobials might be prescribed depending on severity in order combat any infections present thereby decreasing chance for reoccurrence later down line.

Overall,periodontal care has come a long way from just simple brushing habits having made leaps & bounds due recent advancements within field. So besides having yourself regularly checked up at dentist’s office it’s important understand all various types of treatments available them properly apply when needed based individual diagnosis obtain maximum results!

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic, bacterial infection of the gums and surrounding bones that occurs as a result of plaque buildup. This oral health condition, if left untreated, can lead to severe tooth loss and is one of the leading cause of adult tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease can affect people of all ages with varying degrees of severity.

The most common symptom associated with periodontal disease is swollen and/or bleeding gums. This can often occur during brushing and flossing or when eating foods that are high in sugar and starch content- both known to increase plaque accumulation in the mouth. As periodontal disease progresses, bacteria from plaque buildup invade deeper into the gum pockets around the teeth leading to bone recession, gum pockets filled with pus (an abscess), bad breath, receding gums, loosened teeth and even tooth loss if left untreated for an extended length of time.

Treating periodontal disease involves a combination of professional deep cleanings by your dentist or hygienists (known as scaling & root planing) along with various at-home maintenance routine depending on your individual needs such as special mouthwash solutions or flossing aids. If caught early on lifestyle changes such as reducing bad habits like smoking will help reduce future risk factors associated with periodontal disease while following up regularly at you local dental professional(s) office will ensure proper maintenance protocols are met so you can rest easy knowing your mouth will stay healthy!

What causes periodontal problems?

Periodontal problems, or gum disease as it's more widely known, is caused by the buildup of plaque along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that forms on teeth and can cause serious damage to your gums. When this happens, your gums become inflamed and bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Poor oral hygiene habits are largely responsible for the accumulation of plaque leading to periodontal problems. It's important to brush twice daily with a toothbrush with soft bristles and floss once day between teeth to remove food particles that can contribute to plaque formation.

In addition, certain systemic medical conditions such as diabetes may increase one’s susceptibility for periodontal issues, since diabetics tend to have higher levels of glucose in their saliva which produces an ideal environment for bacteria growth in mouth and on teeth surfaces.

If periodontal problems have already begun developing, there are several treatments available depending on severity including dentist-directed home care (scaling/root planing) and possibly antibiotics prescribed by the doctor if infections are present; ultimately surgical treatments may be needed if not caught early enough. The best way short-term solution for preventing gum disease is maintaining proper hygiene habits recommended by dentists such as brushing at least two minutes two times a day and flossing after all meals

How often should I get periodontal services?

You should strive for preventative periodontal care as this will help you avoid periodontal disease and ensure that your oral health is in the best condition possible. Generally speaking, you should get periodontal services at least every six months, but this may vary based on your individual needs. If you have risk factors such as smoking or existing periodontal issues, more frequent visits may be recommended by your dental provider.

During a routine appointment for preventive services, your dental provider will examine the gums and teeth to check if there are any signs of decay or infection. They’ll also remove any plaque build-up that is present which can cause potential harm to the gums and surrounding structures. Additionally, if necessary, radiographs (x-rays) may be used to fully assess overall oral health and check for any potential problems below the surface-level not visible from physical examinations alone.

When it comes to your oral health it’s always best to err on the side of caution so additional visits beyond just twice a year may become necessary depending on specialized treatment plans needed by more high-risk patients (i.e., those with diabetes). Discussing these topics with both your dentist and dental hygienist can help you better understand what type of maintenance plan is right for you when it comes to getting the optimum levels of preventive care needed throughout time to ensure sustained good oral hygiene practices in all aspects!

What should I expect during a periodontal exam?

When visiting your periodontist for a periodontal exam, you can expect a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the condition of your mouth, gums, and teeth. During the exam, your dentist will check for signs of gum disease, including inflammation and infection in the gums and potential early signs of tooth decay or other dental problems.

Your dentist may also take X-rays to assess if there is bone loss as a result of gingivitis or periodontitis. They’ll look at areas between the teeth that brushing and flossing don’t reach, where bacteria build up leading to tartar formation. The exam includes an examination to check for any pockets formed by gum recession that are susceptible to bacterial accumulation in spaces between gum tissue and teeth roots. Your dentist may also use various tools such as a probe to measure these pockets because they indicate advanced gum disease that requires treatment beyond simple cleaning methods.

Your periodontist may also spend time discussing good oral hygiene habits with you during the appointment. This could include giving advice on proper brushing techniques or tips on how best to floss between your teeth for maximum effect. Good oral hygiene is essential for controlling plaque buildup which can cause painful inflammation of the gums known as ‘gingivitis’ eventually leading to more serious forms of gum diseases if left untreated such as ‘periodontitis’. Ultimately this possibility could lead further health concerns such damage in other areas due from bad bacteria from inside our mouths moving into our bloodstreams manifesting itself elsewhere inside body system elsewhere over time if left unresolved?

During your visit with the doctor expect them taking samples from some tooth surfaces using sterile Q-Tips so they can analyze what type tissular growths occurring along either side each tooth & being cultured away laboratory investigation & thus being diagnoses properly in order better treat conditions present against it namely either bacterial enbacterium infections puss filled cavities medical conditions reveal themselves only after deep investigation under microscope otherwise remain hidden unnoticeable plain eye inspection more basic level? these types microscopic respiratory organisms would well experienced peridactillosyllogists able notice diagnose effectively clinical results delivered meticulous investigative detailed focused exams! In conclusion, a periodical assessment is recommended every 6 months at least, checking both - general health condition patient & status any ongoing issues related soft tissues one's oral cavity.

How can I prevent periodontal disease and gum disease?

Periodontal disease and gum disease are serious issues that can lead to a variety of health problems, including tooth loss. Fortunately, there are some preventive measures you can take to protect your teeth and gums from periodontal and gum diseases.

First, be sure to brush twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Proper brushing not only helps remove plaque buildup but also ensures that the fluoride in the paste comes into contact with your enamel, helping keep it strong against acid erosion. Additionally, flossing at least once daily will help remove stubborn plaque deposits that are difficult for a toothbrush to reach.

Second, remember to get regular dental checkups so your dentist can closely monitor any signs of early periodontal or gum disease development before it becomes more severe. During these checkups, they’ll also perform cleanings and deep cleanup appointments when necessary in order to further prevent any potential decay or buildup of bacterial plaque along the gum line which might otherwise cause inflammation and infection if not removed properly.

Thirdly, be sure to keep up with good oral hygiene habits between visits too! Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples or celery is great for really getting between those tight crevices of your teeth where bacteria tend to accumulate – Additionally make sure you limit sugary snacks or drinks whenever possible as these trigger acid production which speeds up tooth decay even if you should already have an existing cavities or weakened enamel on your teeth!

Finally – consider speaking with your doctor about supplementing with Vitamins C & E – clinical studies have linked both vitamins with protection against Periodontal Disease due their antioxidant properties – plus Vitamin C may even help encourage healing from existing cases as well!

Mollie Sherman

Mollie Sherman

Writer at CGAA

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Mollie Sherman is an experienced and accomplished article author who has been writing for over 15 years. She specializes in health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics, with a focus on helping people understand the science behind everyday decisions. Mollie has published hundreds of articles in leading magazines and websites, including Women's Health, Shape Magazine, Cooking Light, and MindBodyGreen.

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