Periodontal Treatment
Specialized care for gum disease and periodontal conditions. Protect your oral health and preserve your natural teeth with our comprehensive periodontal services.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It begins with plaque buildup and, if left untreated, can lead to serious damage to the gums, bone, and eventually tooth loss.
At Navarro Dental Care, we offer comprehensive periodontal care to treat gum disease at all stages and help you maintain optimal oral health.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Did You Know?
Nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults
Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Understanding the progression of gum disease helps in determining the appropriate treatment approach.
Gingivitis
Early stage of gum disease with inflammation, redness, and bleeding
Early Periodontitis
Infection begins affecting bone and fibers holding teeth
Moderate Periodontitis
More significant bone loss and pocket formation
Advanced Periodontitis
Severe bone loss, loose teeth, potential tooth loss
Our Periodontal Treatment Options
We offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific condition and needs.
Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar, and smoothing rough spots on tooth roots
Benefits:
- Removes bacterial toxins
- Helps gums reattach to teeth
- Reduces inflammation
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Surgical procedure to fold back gum tissue and remove bacteria hiding underneath
Benefits:
- Reduces pocket depth
- Makes it easier to clean teeth
- Prevents disease progression
Gum Grafts
Tissue taken from the roof of your mouth or a donor source to cover exposed tooth roots
Benefits:
- Reduces sensitivity
- Prevents further recession
- Improves appearance
Laser Therapy
Advanced treatment using laser technology to remove inflamed gum tissue and reduce bacteria
Benefits:
- Less invasive
- Faster healing
- Reduced discomfort
Antibiotic Therapy
Local or systemic antibiotics to control bacterial infection and promote healing
Benefits:
- Targets specific bacteria
- Enhances other treatments
- Reduces inflammation
Why Periodontal Health Matters
Maintaining healthy gums is essential not only for your oral health but also for your overall well-being. Research has shown strong connections between periodontal disease and various systemic conditions.
Oral-Systemic Connection
Periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating gum disease can help manage these risks.
Preserving Natural Teeth
Healthy gums provide the foundation for your teeth. By maintaining periodontal health, you can prevent tooth loss and avoid the need for costly restorative procedures.
Quality of Life
Periodontal disease can cause pain, bad breath, and difficulty eating. Treating gum disease improves comfort, function, and confidence in your smile.
Heart Health
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Brain Health
Potential reduced risk of cognitive decline
Respiratory Health
Fewer respiratory infections
Diabetes Management
Better blood sugar control
Periodontal Maintenance & Prevention
After periodontal treatment, ongoing maintenance is essential to prevent recurrence and maintain oral health.
Regular Maintenance Visits
Patients with a history of periodontal disease typically require more frequent professional cleanings, usually every 3-4 months, to maintain gum health and prevent disease recurrence.
Home Care Routine
We'll provide personalized instructions for effective brushing and flossing techniques, and may recommend specialized tools like interdental brushes, water flossers, or antimicrobial rinses.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular periodontal evaluations allow us to detect and address any signs of disease recurrence early, before significant damage occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about periodontal disease and treatment.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is primarily caused by bacterial plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. Other factors that contribute include smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, genetic susceptibility, and systemic diseases like diabetes.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Most periodontal treatments are performed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. For deeper cleanings or surgical procedures, we offer sedation options. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after treatment.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
Treatment duration depends on the severity of your condition. Initial therapy like scaling and root planing typically requires 1-2 appointments. Surgical procedures may require additional visits. Maintenance therapy continues indefinitely with regular 3-4 month recall appointments.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with proper treatment and home care. Advanced periodontal disease cannot be completely cured but can be effectively managed to prevent progression and maintain oral health with ongoing professional care and excellent home hygiene.
Protect Your Gum Health
Don't ignore the signs of gum disease. Contact us today to schedule a periodontal evaluation and take the first step toward optimal oral health.