Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy refers to dental treatments designed to address gum disease. If you have gum disease, our dentist in Weslaco, TX, will first examine your gums to determine the extent of the infection and recommend the best treatment. At Daydream Family Dentistry, we offer several types of periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing, laser therapy, and surgery.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects your gums. It is caused by plaque buildup on teeth. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone; a dental specialist must professionally clean it.
As tartar builds up on the teeth and along the gum line, it causes inflammation in the gum tissues. This inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can flourish. Over time, the bacteria will attack the bone supporting the tooth, causing bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.
Types of Periodontal Therapy
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. This treatment helps to remove bacteria from the pockets around your teeth and smooths out the surface of your tooth roots to prevent future buildup.
Bone Grafting
When gum disease leads to significant bone loss around the teeth, bone grafts can be used to restore lost bone tissue, providing stability to the teeth and enhancing their support.
Flap Surgery
This procedure involves lifting the gum tissue to access and clean the infected areas around the tooth roots. Afterward, the gums are repositioned and sutured back into place to promote healing.
Laser Therapy
Laser periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive approach to treating gum disease. Utilizing laser technology, this method efficiently removes diseased gum tissue and bacteria while promoting healthy tissue regeneration. Laser therapy typically results in less discomfort and quicker recovery than traditional surgical procedures.
The Benefits of Periodontal Therapy
Halting the Progression of Gum Disease
One of the primary benefits of periodontal therapy in Weslaco, TX, is its ability to halt the progression of gum disease. Gum disease, if left untreated, can advance from gingivitis to more severe forms like periodontitis, leading to tooth loss and systemic health concerns.
Periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing, effectively removes bacterial plaque and tartar buildup, preventing the further deterioration of your gum health.
Preventing Tooth Loss
Periodontal therapy significantly reduces the risk of tooth loss associated with advanced gum disease. By addressing gum infections and inflammation, periodontal treatments help stabilize the teeth in their sockets, preserving the structural integrity of your smile.
Periodontal therapy is pivotal in maintaining gum health, supporting oral well-being, and fostering a confident smile. If you suspect you may have gum disease, visit Daydream Family Dentistry at 519 S Missouri Ave., Weslaco, TX 78596, or call (956) 968-6561 for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.