Smile Savers Dentistry Offers Comprehensive Periodontal Care

Smile Savers Dentistry is dedicated to providing comprehensive periodontal treatment to all of our patients. Our practice, led by Dr. Anuja Patel as our head dentist, offers personalized treatments to combat gum disease and promote gum health. This guide will explore the importance and treatment options for periodontics.

Understanding Periodontics - The Importance Of Gum Health

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention and diagnosis of diseases affecting the supporting structures of teeth including the gums and periodontal ligaments. It also treats the alveolar bones. Healthy gums play a vital role in maintaining your oral health, including your ability to maintain your teeth and their function.



Periodontal disease is also called gum disease. It is a condition that causes inflammation and infection in the gums. Untreated gum disease can cause irreversible damage, including tooth loss, to the supporting bone and gums. Early detection and treatment are essential for preventing gum disease progression and maintaining your oral health.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

Gingivitis - Gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, is characterized as an inflammation of the gingiva. Gingivitis symptoms include:

• Gums That Are Red or Swollen: Gums that are redder, swollen, or tender than normal may indicate gingivitis.
• Bleeding gums: This is a common sign that you have gingivitis. It can happen when you brush, floss, or eat crunchy foods.
• Bad Breath: Persistent, bad breath (also known as halitosis) can be caused by plaque and tartar accumulation.

Periodontitis - Periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease, is characterized by irreversible destruction of the supporting structures and gums of the teeth. Periodontitis symptoms include:

• Receding gums: Gums that pull away from teeth creating pockets between teeth and gums.
• Gum recession: Exposed roots of teeth due to receding gingiva, which can increase tooth sensitivity as well as the risk of decay.
• Loose Teeth: If you have loose teeth, it may be due to bone loss or damage in the supporting structures.
• Pus or Drainage: If you notice pus or drainage, it could be a sign of advanced periodontitis.
• Changes to Bite: These are changes to the way you bite and chew your food, caused by either shifting teeth or changes in your bone structure.

Gum Recession: When the gum tissue pulls away from teeth roots, it causes them to be more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Gum recession can be characterized by:

• Exposed tooth roots: visible root surfaces due to receding gingiva, which can appear longer than usual.
• Tooth Sensitivity: An increased sensitivity to foods or beverages that are hot, cold, acidic, sweet, and/or sweet along the gumline.
• Gum Discomfort: Tenderness or discomfort along the gumline. This is most common when brushing flossing or eating certain foods.

Gum Infection: A gingival infection occurs when bacteria infect the gum tissue and cause localized swelling and inflammation. Gum infection symptoms include:

• Localized Swelling (Localized Swelling): A swelling, redness, or tenderness that occurs in a particular area of the gums. This is often accompanied by pain or discomfort.
• Pain or Discomfort: A sharp or throbbing ache in the affected area that may get worse when you chew or apply pressure to your gums.
• Abscess: A pus- or fluid-filled sac (abscess) that may rupture, releasing a foul-smelling or foul-tasting discharge.

Gum Overgrowth: Also known as gingival hyperplasia (swollen gums), this condition occurs when the gum tissue grows and covers the surface of the teeth. Gum overgrowth can cause:

• Excessive Gum Tissue: Bulging or excessively grown gums covering a portion of the teeth and making them look shorter or stubby.
• Difficulty Cleaning Teeth: The gums or teeth may be difficult to clean due to excessive tissue. This can lead plaque and tartar to build up.
• Changes to Bite: This can be due to the position of your gums.



Bad Breath (Halitosis): Bad breath can be caused by gum disease, oral health problems, or other factors. Halitosis symptoms include:

• Persistent bad breath: Bad-smelling breath persists even after regular brushing and flossing.
• Metallic or foul taste: A persistent metallic, or unsavory taste in the mouth. This is often accompanied by a dry mouth and a thick coating of the tongue.
• Coated Tongue: A coating of white or yellowish color on the surface, which may harbor bacteria and cause bad breath.
  

Smile Savers Dentistry Offers Advanced Periodontal Treatments

We offer a wide range of periodontal treatment options to treat gum disease and improve gum health. Our advanced treatments include:



• Scaling and Root Planning: Also known as deep cleaning or scaling and root planning, this non-surgical treatment is designed to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, below the gum line, and bacteria toxins. This treatment reduces inflammation and helps to eliminate bacteria, which allows the gums and teeth to heal.
• Gum Grafting: Gum grafting involves a surgical procedure to replace gum tissue that has been lost to injury or recession. During this procedure, Dr. Patel takes tissue from the palate (or another source) and transplants it into the areas of recession to protect and augment the exposed roots.
• Pocket Reduction Surgery: In advanced cases of periodontitis it may be necessary to perform pocket reduction surgery to remove the deep pockets of bacteria around the teeth. This procedure is used to eliminate infection, reduce the depth of pockets, and encourage gum reattachment with teeth.
• Bone Grafting: Bone grafting can be used to replace lost or damaged tissue due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, or other causes. Dr. Patel can use bone graft materials to support dental implants and natural teeth and stimulate new bone growth.
• Periodontal Maintenance: After periodontal therapy, it is important to maintain periodontal health to prevent recurrences of gum disease. Dr. Patel develops a customized maintenance plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs. This includes regular professional cleanings and monitoring periodontal health.
  

Gum Disease Prevention: Tips for Optimal Gum Health

Preventing gum disease and maintaining healthy gums is all about prevention. Here are a few tips to promote optimal gum health:

• Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth twice a day at least with fluoride toothpaste and use floss to remove bacteria and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline.
• Regular Dental Checkups: To monitor your periodontal and gum health, schedule regular dental cleanings and check-ups with Dr. Patel at least every six months.
• Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Limit sugary and acidic food and drinks, which can lead to plaque and gum disease. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for gum diseases and other oral problems.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water to keep your mouth moist, hydrated, and free from bacteria.
• Manage Stress: Chronic anxiety can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of gum disease. Exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques can help you reduce stress and improve your health.