Periodontal disease, more commonly called gum disease, is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth and gums. Bacteria found in plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) produce harmful acids that attack the tissues in the mouth, causing the gums to become inflamed and possibly even infected. Having a good oral health care routine that includes regular brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups and cleanings, should be enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, if you should develop a case of periodontal disease, it can be treated at All Smiles Dental Care in Phoenix.
This treatment is also known as a deep cleaning because it is similar to a regular dental cleaning that you get during a routine appointment. The difference is that, like the name says, it goes deeper into the gumline. Your dentist will go beyond the gumline to clean out the periodontal pockets of plaque and tartar. Because it is slightly more invasive than a regular cleaning, local anesthesia can be used to minimize discomfort.
After the teeth and gums have been cleaned of plaque and tartar, the tooth roots will be planed. This means that they will be smoothed out to discourage bacteria from building up in that area again. The goal of a scaling and planing procedure is to help shrink the periodontal pockets and help the gums reattach to the teeth and heal. The procedure can be broken up into more than one visit, if necessary.
If a scaling and planing procedure is not sufficient for treating your case of gum disease in Phoenix, surgery may be required. There are several types of gum surgery, each with its own purpose. They all involve cutting into the gums to either clean below the pockets (gingival flap surgery), remove excess gum tissue (gingivectomy), or reshape healthy gum tissue (gingivoplasty). Your periodontist will discuss your particular situation and options with you, then make a recommendation on which procedure is most appropriate for your case.
It is recommended that patients who have undergone periodontal treatment be more diligent with their oral healthcare routines. It may be necessary for you to visit your dentist at All Smiles Dental Care more than the recommended two times a year so that he or she can monitor your periodontal health in Phoenix.