Periodontal Disease
Effective Treatment for Periodontal Disease in South Bend, IN
Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection of the gums. It requires early intervention and targeted, comprehensive treatment. At Elite Dental of South Bend, Dr. Yahya Saleh offers advanced treatment of periodontal disease. Dr. Saleh and our team of dental professionals will do everything possible to stop the spread of the infection, preserve your teeth and gums, and improve your oral health. Call now to make an appointment if you need treatment for periodontal disease in South Bend, IN.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums, soft tissues, and bones that support the teeth. Without treatment, it can cause tooth loss and serious health issues. The condition occurs in four stages; catching it in its earliest stage is crucial to preserving your oral health.
Causes and Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria on and between the teeth. The biggest causes and risk factors for gum disease are:
- Lack of consistent oral hygiene
- Use of tobacco products
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Medical conditions or medications that cause dry mouth
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Chronic stress
- Poor nutrition
- Bruxism or teeth grinding
Recognizing Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
At its earliest stages, periodontal disease symptoms are mild and infrequent. However, you may experience new or worsening symptoms as the disease progresses, including:
- Tender, swollen, and inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Drainage from the gums
- Pain when chewing or biting down
Getting a Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease
During routine dental exams, we check for early warning signs of periodontal disease. However, if you have symptoms between routine exams, you should make an appointment. We will ask you about your medical history, diet, lifestyle, oral hygiene routine, and symptoms. Next, we will use a special dental tool to measure the depth of space between your gums and teeth to check for deep or wide pockets. We will also take digital dental X-rays to assess the health and density of your bones and look for signs of bone loss.
Exploring Our Periodontal Disease Treatment Methods
Treatment will depend upon your symptoms and the stage of the disease. Some possible treatments include:
- Scaling and Root Planing – This is a deep dental cleaning during which we remove plaque, tartar, and infection from above and below the gum line.
- Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance – We may suggest that you visit every two to three months for advanced dental cleanings and gum care.
- Lifestyle Changes and Home Care – You will need to maintain a consistent daily oral hygiene routine and may need to make lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking.
- Surgical Intervention – Advanced periodontitis may require oral surgery, such as flap surgery, soft tissue or bone grafts, or guided tissue regeneration.
Periodontal Home Care and Prevention Tips
You can address gingivitis and prevent periodontal disease from progressing by caring for your teeth and gums at home. We recommend that you:
- Brush twice per day with a soft toothbrush or electric toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily with an interdental brush, plastic dental flossers, or a water flosser
- Rinse once or twice per day with an antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwash
- Quit smoking and tobacco use
- Drink plenty of water and reduce your intake of caffeine, soda, sugary foods and beverages, and alcohol
Why Choose Elite Dental of South Bend for Periodontal Disease Treatment
Elite Dental of South Bend offers comprehensive preventive care and periodontal treatment at all stages. Dr. Saleh and our team use advanced techniques, modern technology, and personalized treatment programs to enhance the health of teeth and gums. Our specialized gum therapy programs remove harmful plaque, tartar, and bacteria to prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of tooth loss. In addition to treatment, we also offer preventive education and guidance.
Call Now to Schedule an Exam
If you are experiencing pain, tooth and gum sensitivity, or other troubling symptoms, we can help. Call us now or book an appointment online for a dental exam and diagnostic testing. We offer comprehensive, personalized preventive care and treatment of periodontal disease in South Bend, IN.
Answers to FAQs about Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease causes chronic bad breath, inflammation, gum recession, jawbone and tissue destruction, and tooth loss. It can also lead to severe, uncontrolled infection that can spread through your bloodstream to other parts of your body, causing organ damage, sepsis, or stroke.
Delaying treatment allows the disease to advance and progress. Your symptoms will worsen and bacterial infection will spread, destroying gum tissue and bone and increasing the risk of systemic health issues. Treatment will become more challenging and require more extensive and invasive measures.
You will need to commit to diligent home care, preventive treatments, periodontal therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Yes, we provide thorough, tailored education to give you the guidance and resources you need to manage your oral health. We will teach you how to maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent, slow, or stop the progression of the disease.
In its earliest stages, such as gingivitis and mild periodontitis, the disease can be reversed. Advanced gum disease is irreversible.