Maintaining strong oral health goes beyond simply brushing and flossing in pursuit of a bright smile. It involves caring for the foundation of your teeth and gums. Periodontal treatment plays a crucial role in preventing and addressing periodontal (or gum) disease, which affects the supporting structures of the teeth.
Today, we’re discussing how periodontal treatment can lead to healthier gums, stronger teeth, and an overall improved quality of life.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting tissues that surround the teeth. It often starts with accumulating a sticky film of bacteria, called plaque, on the teeth and gumline.
Plaque that is not addressed and eliminated through proper oral hygiene practices hardens into tartar, which cannot be treated at home. Left untreated, tartar causes inflammation and irritation of the gums, or gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, a more severe stage of gum disease in which the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can become infected. Over time, these infections can cause the deterioration of not only the tissues supporting the teeth but also the jawbone, which can result in tooth loss.
Periodontal Treatment and Its Benefits
Periodontal treatment focuses on reversing the effects of gum disease and restoring oral health. In relatively mild cases, scaling and root planing, a common non-surgical procedure in which the teeth and roots are thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria, is sufficient. More severe cases might require surgical interventions like gum flap surgery or bone grafting.
The benefits of periodontal treatment are straightforward but significant. First and foremost is the prevention of further damage to the gums and supporting structures. Additionally, periodontal treatment promotes healthier gums that firmly anchor teeth in place. This has positive effects on overall health, as studies have linked severe periodontal health to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
As you can see, promptly and effectively addressing gum disease helps preserve both oral and overall well-being. To this end, regular dental checkups and a consistent oral hygiene routine are essential to maintaining healthy gums and preventing periodontal issues.
Periodontal Treatment in Apex, NC
If you’re in the Apex, NC, area and have periodontal issues requiring attention or simply want to ensure they never arise, contact dentist Dr. Dustin Prusik and the Olive Chapel Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.