Fight Back Against Plaque

Periodontal therapy is used to fight periodontal disease, gingivitis’ uglier, more advanced cousin. Periodontal disease is a dental infection often caused by an excess of plaque, tartar and bacteria buildup. Beyond that, periodontal disease can be linked to other health issues, including heart disease. Periodontal therapy stops the disease in its tracks, preventing further damage and mitigating any spread of infection. Get educated on periodontal disease and read how Springfield Dental Group uses non-surgical periodontal therapy to treat it below!

What Causes It

Periodontal disease (or periodontitis) is an infection in the gums that can damage tissue and bone. This disease is very preventable; it usually occurs as a result of poor dental hygiene, which allows plaque and bacteria to build up on the teeth and harden over time, forming tartar. When tartar is not removed by a dental professional, it gives bacteria a chance to fester and causes inflammation, tissue damage, even bone and tooth loss. On top of that, all that bacteria living right by the gums and roots can enter your bloodstream, potentially resulting in issues that affect other parts of the body: respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, blood sugar control issues for people with diabetes and more. 

Common Symptoms

Your best bet is to spot periodontal disease early. Some of the most common symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Buildup of plaque and tartar above and below the gums
• Pain while chewing
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding and/or receding gums
• Recurring bad breath
• Tooth loss
• Loosening of teeth

Prevention

Fortunately, periodontal disease is fairly preventable. As with countless other oral diseases, prevention starts with good daily oral hygiene habits. That means brushing your teeth for two minutes every day, twice a day. You should also be flossing to clear away left-behind food particles and bacteria hiding between your teeth and under your gums. This is the simplest and most effective way to prevent bacteria that cause periodontitis from taking up residence in your teeth. In addition to consistent daily oral hygiene, it’s important to see your dentist for cleanings every six months. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove calculus buildup, so it’s especially important to schedule these visits if you know your dental care routine is below average.  

Time to schedule your dental cleaning? Click here to make an appointment!

Treatment Process at Springfield Dental Group

When basic preventative steps aren’t enough to completely clear you of periodontal disease, special treatment may be needed to rid you of the disease and restore affected gums and teeth. That’s where periodontal therapy treatments come in! At Springfield Dental Group, we offer non-surgical periodontal therapy at our Springfield, Ohio office. This preventative dental treatment halts the progression of periodontitis while renewing the function of your teeth. It starts with a one-on-one consultation with our trusted dentists, where we determine the best course of action for each individual patient. Most often, patients then undergo a thorough dental cleaning followed by scaling and root planing. This step removes any nasty tartar buildup from deep within the roots of your teeth. For this treatment we numb your mouth to make sure you are comfortable while the procedure is taking place.

Following the in-office procedure, you will receive instructions for an at-home treatment. This often comes in the form of custom-fit fluoride dental trays that prevent further decay and improve your overall oral health. Our team wants to ensure each patient has a successful treatment, so we’ll keep in touch with you via routine follow ups to check on your teeth.

Get more info on periodontal therapy at Springfield Dental Group here!

Restore Your Oral Health with Periodontal Therapy 

Periodontal disease can wreak havoc on the health of your teeth as well as other parts of your body. If you think you have periodontitis, it’s best to seek advice and treatment from a dental professional right away. At Springfield Dental Group, we’re here to help you fight periodontal disease and get your healthy smile back. Want more information on our non-surgical periodontal therapy options? Click the link below to schedule a consultation!