Periodontics is a funny word, but it’s a very simple concept: It’s oral health work that involves your gums and other tissue that surrounds your teeth. If you have gum disease, periodontic services from a San Diego Dentist Association member can help you get your dental and oral health back on track so you can have the beautiful, elegant smile you want and need.
Gum disease may begin as a small area of inflammation of the gums at the tooth line, but can quickly progress, leading to tooth loss and worsening other health conditions. That’s why gum inflammation or tenderness must be taken seriously. If your gums are swollen, bleed easily or hurt, you should contact a dentist right away.
In many cases, gum disease is caused by neglect, perhaps from letting plaque and debris stay in your mouth after eating. If you don’t brush it away quickly, it harbors bacteria that damage teeth and gums. Soon, untreated inflammation becomes full-blown infection that causes gum recession and tooth loss.
You may need periodontal treatment in these situations:
- You have areas where you see the gum line receding around teeth, especially if the recession is present in some areas but not others
- You want a cosmetic gum procedure like crown lengthening – because these procedures can’t be done if you have active gum disease
- You want to have ridge augmentation to correct an uneven gum line but have some signs of gum disease present
- And in other situations too.
You and the best San Diego dental team for your needs can work together to prevent and correct gum disease. The dentist may recommend scaling, a deep cleaning procedure to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar and to eliminate the places where bacteria hide. The team can also help you with tooth loss replacement and other services to recreate a healthy, beautiful smile.
Reach out to a San Diego Dentist Association member now for your first appointment – and to get your gum disease corrected for a healthier and more beautiful smile now and in the future.