Have you recently noticed that your gums bleed when you floss, or your breath does not feel as fresh? These could be symptoms of gingivitis, which is an infection of the soft tissues in your mouth. If you have gingivitis, you may need deep cleanings to help treat or manage the infection. Your team at Park Dental in San Diego, CA, has several treatment options to help you manage this condition, including less invasive laser therapies. Today, we’ll discuss the benefits of laser therapies on our blog.
Periodontal Disease Explained
Periodontal disease is an infection of your gums, which can happen when bacteria and plaque accumulate around the roots of your teeth and soft tissue. This infection can affect anyone of any age, but your risk may be increased if you have poor oral hygiene routine. You may be able to reduce your chances of gingivitis by practicing a proper oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing and flossing, and visiting your dentist twice a year. Additionally, practicing a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet and avoiding smoking can help you avoid gum disease. If it is caught in the early stage of gingivitis, we may be able to help you reverse the infection with deep cleanings and improved hygiene. However, while we may not be able to reverse later stages of gum disease, we can still manage them.
Scaling And Root Planing To Manage The Infection
Your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing treatments if you have been diagnosed with periodontitis. These are deeper cleanings than your traditional prophylaxis and may need to be completed more often depending on the severity of your infection. During a scaling and root planing treatment, your hygienist will carefully remove the harmful bacteria from your gumline. This can help refresh your breath and protect your gums from receding. Following this, we perform root planing to smooth the roots of your teeth, thereby preventing the accumulation of bacteria.
Tooth Loss Caused By Periodontitis
Unfortunately, untreated periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss for many patients. This can be frustrating, as it can affect your appearance and your oral health. If you have lost your teeth due to an infection, you will need to discuss treatment options with your dentist to manage the disease and replace your missing pearly whites. Prosthetic options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures can be used to help replace your missing structures and improve your ability to eat and talk after tooth loss. Schedule a consultation with your dentist today to learn which option may be most beneficial for your needs.
Learn More With Our Team
If you are currently experiencing symptoms of gingivitis or further stages of periodontitis, our team is here to help. Learn more or schedule an appointment with Park Dental in San Diego, CA by calling (619) 544-1745.
