Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, affects the lives of millions of dental patients each year. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and, unfortunately, is highly underdiagnosed in this country. Screenings for periodontal disease are one of the many valuable services provided by dentists at patients’ biannual dental exams. One of the most common early signs of gum disease is the growth of the tissue pockets between a patient’s gums and teeth, which can only be identified through a professional exam.
Once a patient has been diagnosed with gum disease, he or she has several options for periodontal treatments in Jupiter, FL. Most treatments involve processes known as scaling and root planing. Scaling, sometimes also known as deep cleaning, involves the removal of dental plaque and calculus from the teeth both above and below the gum line. The process of removing plaque build-up helps to remove irritants from the area surrounding the gums and protects the area from gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the first step toward declining periodontal health. It involves swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums. With scaling and planing, it can be completely reversed. Should the patient fail to receive adequate periodontal treatments in Jupiter, FL. his or her gum tissue will continue to swell and will fail to act as an effective seal between the tooth and the rest of the mouth. This can lead to bacteria deposits building up in the periodontal pockets. These bacteria slowly break down the surrounding tissues, leading to bone loss.
Once bacterial deposits begin to proliferate, the patient will require scaling and root planing in order to remove the bacterial colonies. Root planing is much like scaling, except that it is designed to address bacterial build-up on the tooth’s root. It requires specialized instruments and must often be performed over the course of several visits. When necessary, antibiotics are prescribed in conjunction with scaling and root planing in order to address any potential systemic infections that may have resulted from the bacterial deposits.
Curious to learn more, or need to make an appointment for a regular dental exam? Visit Sitename for additional information about one local office that can help.
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