Periodontal Treatments in Tulsa, OK

Periodontal Disease: What Is It?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth and is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults. The disease is challenging for patients to identify independently, so the Perfect Smile team checks for signs during each regular checkup.

What Causes Gum Disease?

A buildup of plaque causes gum disease. If the plaque is not removed with flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups, it will build up toxins that can damage the gums.

Stages Of Gum Disease

There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The gums become red and swollen, bleeding easily. The condition is treatable at this stage and can usually be eliminated by brushing and flossing regularly.

If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, when the gums and bones supporting the teeth become irreparably damaged. Teeth can become loose due to periodontitis and may even fall out or need removal.

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. It can eventually lead to tooth loss if it is not treated. Symptoms include:

  • Bad breath.
  • Red or swollen gums.
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
  • Loose teeth.
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Treatment usually involves good oral hygiene habits like regular brushing and flossing, professional dental cleaning, and antibiotics.
Left untreated, periodontitis can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums. Untreated periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or fall out, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, pain when eating, bad breath, and an increased risk of developing other oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease.

Treatment For Gum Disease

Treatments for gum disease usually vary depending on the severity of each case. If the condition is caught in the early stages of gingivitis and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

Scaling And Root Planing

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done with half of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling), and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). Then pockets are treated with a diode laser that kills bacteria, removes infected tissue lining the pocket, and jump-starts the immune system for quicker healing.

This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, especially medicated mouth rinses and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help heal and control infection. If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a gum specialist.

Schedule An Appointment With Our Periodontists In Tulsa, OK, Today!

At Perfect Smile Tulsa, we know that periodontal treatment is essential for a perfect smile! Our experienced Periodontists are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care. Your Oral Health is Our Priority: Our team understands your need for quality care regarding periodontal treatment. That’s why our staff invests time into creating a personalized plan tailored to meet your needs. We invite patients suffering from periodontal disease to visit us here at Perfect Smile Tulsa, so our team can provide them with a customized plan designed just for their specific needs! So don’t hesitate to call today, make an appointment with one of our specialized Periodontists now, and get started on restoring beauty into your smile while ensuring optimal oral health long-term!

Working together, you and your dentist can choose the appropriate steps to make your dental visit as safe and comfortable as possible, and to help you keep a healthy smile.