Periodontal Therapy
in Phoenix, AZ
Have you noticed bad breath lately, or maybe you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums? It is easy to overlook the early, often painless signs of periodontal (gum) disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Stonecreek Dental Associates, we are serious about your gum health. From diagnosis to personalized treatment and ongoing management, we strive to keep your gums as healthy as possible. Contact our Phoenix practice to get started today!
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What Is Periodontal Disease and What Are Its Causes?
Periodontal disease is a serious, progressive condition that affects the gums, bone, and connective tissue that support your teeth. The main cause is poor oral hygiene. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can harden to tartar (calculus) without daily brushing and flossing. Plaque and tartar deposits along and under the gum line can irritate the gum tissue, leading to inflammation, redness, and bleeding. Risk factors for periodontal disease also include smoking, family history, diabetes, age, medications that cause dry mouth, and hormonal changes.
In the earliest stages of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis, patients often report red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Left untreated, the gum inflammation and infection can continue to progress. The gums slowly begin to pull away from the teeth, leading to gum recession and the formation of spaces known as periodontal pockets. In its later stages, the inflammation and infection can slowly break down the structures that hold your teeth in place, often leading to tooth loss.
How Does Periodontal Disease Impact Your Health?
Aside from its devastating impact on your oral health, studies show that periodontal disease can impact your systemic health. The chronic inflammation has been linked to serious health concerns, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, Alzheimer’s disease, pregnancy complications, and more. By maintaining healthy gums, you not only safeguard your smile but also support your overall health and well-being.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Treating periodontal disease typically begins with a non-surgical procedure known as scaling and root planing (SRP). The deep dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and under your gum line, followed by smoothing out your tooth root surfaces. Scaling and root planing help reduce inflammation, control the infection, and slow or even prevent the progression of periodontal disease, supporting long-term gum health.
We also offer Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), a modern, minimally invasive, and highly effective solution for treating periodontal disease. We start by using a safe dye to reveal the gum disease-causing biofilm, followed by gentle air polishing and careful ultrasonic cleaning. GBT helps remove harmful bacteria without being harsh on your gums and teeth. Studies show that GBT is highly effective in treating periodontal disease and maintaining your gum health.
What Happens After Treating Periodontal Disease?
After your periodontal disease treatment, the maintenance phase is essential to keep the condition from progressing. We typically recommend periodontal maintenance appointments every 3 to 4 months. During these visits, we will clean your teeth thoroughly, evaluate your gum health, and intervene if necessary to keep your periodontal disease from progressing.
An important component of your periodontal maintenance plan is meticulous home oral hygiene. Make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to clean off any plaque and food debris trapped between your teeth and under your gum line. Our team at Stonecreek Dental Associates is happy to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to help you keep your gums healthy between dental visits.