What is Periodontal Disease?

​

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection and inflammation in the gums. If the infection is able to progress, it destroys the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.

 

Gum disease can be difficult to detect as it often develops without exhibiting any symptoms whatsoever. Early detection is vital to the successful treatment of this progressive disease.

​

At Oraderm Care Clinic, our dentists are trained to identify the signs of early gum disease. This is one of the reasons that regular oral hygiene check-ups are so crucial to maintain good dental health. If our dental team does confirm you have gum disease, we will explain your options and assist you to choose the best treatment for you.

​

The first step in treating periodontal or gum disease is often periodontal therapy. This non-surgical gum treatment, also known as deep cleaning or scaling and root planing can work if you have mild or moderate gum disease. 

 

Non Surgical Gum Treatment

​

Scaling and root planing all takes place below the gum line, where tooth brushes and floss can’t reach. As plaque and tartar form and attach to the root surface below the gum line, they cause inflammation that can break down and destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This, in turn, creates deeper pockets that encourage the growth of more harmful bacteria.

Using special instruments , we can reach deeper areas to remove calculus that has hardened and created inflamed gums.

Deep cleaning is a series of cleanings of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus from deep periodontal pockets. This treatment is a very effective way to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. And we will often follow up with other therapies, such as local delivery antimicrobials as needed.

​

The Benefits of Deep Cleaning

Deep scaling does not require incisions or the use of sutures. In addition, it can remove inflammation in one session. When caught early and treated, the damage caused by periodontal disease can be reversed and the treatment less expensive.

​

How Effective is Deep Cleaning Treatment?

After scaling and root planning, many patients do not require any further active treatment. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy and enhanced home care to sustain good oral health. Therefore, we will recommend a course of maintenance therapy that is customized for you.

​

Periodontal Maintenance

​

Periodontal disease is never cured, it is only controlled through maintenance. If you have undergone periodontal treatment, you’ll need to commit to continuing care in order to protect your dental and general health.

Our oral health can be seen as a mirror of the general condition of our bodies. Our periodontal status can often tell us more than what is happening in our gums or teeth.

Periodontitis is commonly triggered by plaque, which accumulates on the teeth. And sometimes our regular routine of brushing and flossing cannot reach areas where food debris gathers. This can lead to swollen and bleeding gums, which are both signs of periodontitis.

In addition to following the oral hygiene plan that we prepare for you, it is important that you continue with regular examinations, so we can treat any new tartar or plaque development. This regular treatment most likely will require four cleanings a year to prevent or minimize the recurrence and progression of periodontal disease.

​

Periodontal Surgery

​

If the tissue or bone surrounding your teeth is too damaged to be repaired with non-surgical treatment, several surgical procedures are available to prevent severe damage and to restore a healthy smile. We will recommend the procedure that is best suited to the condition of your teeth and gums. Following is a list of common types of periodontal surgery:

​

• You may need a gum graft to replace diseased gum tissue. 

• A gingivectomy re-shapes loose, diseased gum tissue to enable more thorough cleaning of your teeth at home.

• The bone may need to be recontoured to eliminate pockets and make it possible for you to keep your teeth clean.

• Regeneration, when the bone and tissue supporting the teeth have been lost due to severe gum disease, we can restore these areas with a regeneration procedure.

• Dr. Syjuco is trained in the advanced Pinhole Surgical Technique, a scalpel-free suture-free surgical option.

​

You’re welcome to call and request an examination, or you may request an appointment online. We’ll help you find the most convenient time for your visit.

​

​